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

Across Africa, Christmas has long been a cherished time for families to return home, reconnect, share joy, and mend broken bonds. It's a season of laughter, love, and togetherness. Yet, for those seen as the “well-off” in the family, the festivities can come up with heavy financial expectations. So, has the way we celebrate Christmas evolved in your country?

Zimbabwe will require foreign-owned businesses in some sectors to transfer majority control to Zimbabwean citizens within three years. It aims to uplift local enterprises, but critics say it will drive away foreign investment. AfricaLink host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena talks to economist Takudzwa Kudenga and DW correspondent Privilege Musvanhiri on how this policy may sink or save Zimbabwe's economy.

According to Amnesty International, there's compelling evidence that Tanzania's security forces deployed unnecessary and disproportionate force — including lethal measures — on protesters between October 29 and November 3 after the election. DW's Sella Oneko talks to Amnesty researcher Sikula Oniala and DW correspondent in Tanzania, Noami Jasseda, about updates on the ongoing government probe.

Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods in Nigeria. Millions journey across the country to reunite with family and loved ones. But year after year, the same challenges resurface: overcrowded stations, limited transport options, inflated fares, and endless delays. Why does Nigeria's transport system buckle under festive pressure — and what would it take to fix it?

School fires and student protests have shaken Malawi's education system. Why are schools burning, pupils rioting, and what's next for the country's classrooms?

US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown hits Minnesota's Somali community, sparking outrage and fears of mass deportations.

For decades, US policy in Africa has centered on aid and development. But what if the future lies in trade, investment, and strategic partnerships? Adwoa Domena speaks to Dr. Samuel Afriyie, political and international relations expert and DW's Eric Mawuena Egbeta in Accra.

In 2025, more than half of Ghana's high school certificate exam candidates failed in mathematics, marking the worst performance in seven years. What went wrong? Was it the curriculum, teaching methods, or the crackdown on exam malpractice? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Divine Kpe, an Education Research and Policy Analyst, and DW correspondent in Accra, Ghana, Adwoa Tenkorama Domena.

A viral video of Malian model Zahra Haidara burning her wigs has reignited Nigeria's long-running conversation about natural versus artificial hair. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with DW's Olisa Chukwuma in Lagos, loctician Chukwu Ngozi Blessing and wig stylist Taade Peters to explore why this debate matters — from billion-dollar wig sales to regional pageants banning extensions to promote natural beauty.

On Human Rights Day, Uganda is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. New laws criminalize identifying with the LGBTQ+, activists are tracked, and journalists are silenced — long before the January 2026 elections. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Dr. Sarah Bireete and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala about shrinking civic space, silenced dissent, and the fear shaping daily life.

Rwanda and the DRC signed a US-brokered peace deal under Trump, but clashes continue on the ground. Observers warn that the agreement may prioritize US access to Congo's minerals over real peace.

Nigeria's asylum for Guinea-Bissau's opposition leader has sparked debate. What does it mean for West Africa's fragile democracies?

Why do marriages fall apart, who pays the price, and what actually helps couples in Uganda stay together?

From digital tools to village activists, Kenya is rewriting the HIV story — combining technology and community action to fight stigma and save lives.

Ghana faces a sexual harassment crisis in schools, with alarming rates among female students. During 16 Days of Activism, what steps can curb abuse and safeguard women and girls?

As violence against Christians escalates in Nigeria, Washington is considering tough sanctions against Nigeria and even Pentagon involvement. What's driving this bold move, and what could it mean for US-Africa relations? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Dr.Sam Eke, a political analyst and former presidential candidate, and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja.

Europe and Africa marked 25 years of partnership at the 7th AU-EU summit in Angola. Leaders discussed legal migration pathways and skills mobility deals aimed at addressing labor shortages in Europe and youth unemployment in Africa. But will these agreements have an impact everyday lives? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with migration expert Edmilson Angelo and DW correspondent Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena

A UN report shows that Kenya loses one woman a day to femicide or gender-based violence, with 2024 marking the deadliest year yet. At least 170 women were killed, a 79% rise from the previous year. Survivors and families say the violence is being normalized—so what will it take to stop it?

Suicide among Kenya's youth has reached alarming levels, with funeral homes reporting dozens of cases every weekend. Economic hardship, unemployment, family conflict and inadequate mental health support are all fueling this silent emergency. In this AfricaLink podcast, Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with psychologist Benta Wambui and DW correspondent Felix Maringa.

As the G20 Summit kicks off in Johannesburg, civil society groups and NGOs are pushing for a people-first agenda — on issues like climate justice, debt relief, and social equity. But can grassroots voices truly impact the world's most powerful economies? DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Sekoetlane Phamodi, Director, New Economy Hub at the African Climate Foundation and DW correspondent Dianne Hawker

Zimbabwe's health system is on life support. Hospitals are understaffed, patients are waiting, and thousands of professionals have left for better opportunities abroad. Why is the country facing a shortage of 14,000 health workers?

A deadly stampede during a recent Ghanaian army recruitment event killed six. How is the military fixing safety and restoring trust?

Can Nigeria curb its diabetes crisis with tech, awareness, and policy reforms on World Diabetes Day?

Many Kenyan and South African men promised jobs end up fighting for Russia in Ukraine. How are Africans being drawn into the war?

Uganda's parliamentary campaigns kick off ahead of January's high-stakes election. The opposition pushes for change as the ruling NRM fights to keep power in a race that will test the country's democracy.

Malawi's women want real power. Activists are pushing for legal quotas to boost female representation in politics, and say bold reforms are the only way to fix the imbalance.

Tanzania's recent elections have drawn sharp criticism from the African Union and European Union. What must Tanzania do to restore democratic credibility — and who should lead the charge for reform?

The UN has moved to shield Ghana's most iconic textile from imitations. What does Kente cloth's Geographical Indication status mean for those who weave and trade in it? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to the CEO of WovenAfrica, Benjamin Epton Owusu, and DW correspondent Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena in Accra.

Nigerians are rejecting US President Donald Trump's allegation of Christian persecution and threats of US military action against the West African nation. Many say his narrative oversimplifies a complex reality in a country where violence affects Christians and Muslims. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr. Philibus Audu Nwamagyi, a defence and security specialist, and DW correspondent Ben Shemang in Abuja

Lecturers are teaching at universities in Nigeria again — but for how long? They've been on strike over unpaid salaries and long-promised funding. Will the government take their November 22 deadline seriously? Eddy Micah Jr, talks to Prof. Chris Piwuna, the president of Nigeria's Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and DW correspondent Abiodun Jamiu.

As Tanzania concludes its 2025 general election, attention is sharply focused on Samia Suluhu Hassan and the deterioration of political freedoms in the country and region. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Isabel Brenda, Senior Governance & Elections Specialist at Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa, and DW correspondent Isaac Kaledzi.

Tanzania's October 29 general election saw internet blackouts sweeping the nation and violent protests erupting. The unrest has left Tanzanians questioning the legitimacy of the process. In this episode, Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Fergus Kell of Chatham House and DW's George Okachi to unpack the political theatre, the silencing of dissent, and what this means for Tanzania's democratic future.

After a high-stakes vote returned President Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term, DW's AfricaLink podcast unpacks what this means for Cote d'Ivoire's political future. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with DW West Africa correspondent Bram Posthumus and Alex Vines, expert on African affairs at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to explore the implications for democracy, development and stability.

At 92, President Paul Biya was declared the winner of Cameroon's presidential election, extending his decades-long rule. But opposition parties are rejecting the results, alleging widespread voter fraud. What does this mean for Africa's oldest president and a country yearning for change? DW's Eddy Micah Jr. breaks it down with Dorcas Ekupe and political analyst Mac Anthony Akuhmbohm in Yaounde.

In Ghana, gold is more than just a precious metal. From environmental destruction due to galamseys (illegal mines), to alleged funding of extremist violence through proceeds made from illegal mining, the country faces a complex crisis. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. discusses this critical topic with extractives expert Solomon Kusi Ampofo, Maxwell Suuk, DW correspondent in Tamale and voices from the ground.

As Tanzania heads to the polls on October 29, President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces voters for the first time, while the opposition hopes to chip away at decades of the ruling CCM's dominance. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with political analyst Paternus Niyegira and DW's Faidha Ngaga in Dar es Salaam about the key issues, the Gen Z factor, and whether Tanzania is ready for change.

For decades, he was the face of the opposition in Kenya — a political giant who shaped the democracy through protest, persistence, and power-sharing deals. Who will fill the vacuum left by Raila Odinga, the late veteran ''people's president''? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to political analyst Billian Ojiwa and DW correspondent Felix Maringa in Kenya.

Will Paul Biya extend his 40-year presidency in Cameroon, or will a new leader emerge? The country is tense as voters prepare to hear the result of a general election on October 23. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Yaounde-based political analyst Dr. Atia Tilaruis and DW correspondent Dorcas Ekupe.

Nigeria's human rights activist Omoyele Sowore remains a relentless thorn in the side of the authorities. He's faced multiple arrests and harsh crackdowns but still vows to confront Nigeria's political elite, especially the current President Bola Tinubu. But is his crusade truly for the people, or his political ambition?

Some experts say South Africa meets several global indicators of a mafia state. Organized crime has infiltrated government institutions, corruption is rampant and assassinations are on the rise. Even police are drawing parallels with Colombia or Ecuador. Cai Nebe talks to Prof. Andre Duvenhage and DW correspondent Dianne Hawker in Johannesburg.

Bobi Wine's 2021 presidential run shook Uganda's political landscape. Though long-time leader Yoweri Museveni retained power, Wine's campaign sparked massive youth engagement and online mobilization. But can he do it again? And will Ugandans rally behind him this time?

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for peace with neighboring Rwanda as tensions rise in eastern DRC. Kigali rejected the offer — raising fears of escalating conflict and failed diplomacy in the region.