Africalink | Deutsche Welle

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.

Raila Odinga has died suddenly in India. Cai Nebe and Andrew Wasike look at his legacy — from shaping democracy to inspiring generations of Kenyans.

Zimbabwe is set to roll out lenacapavir, an HIV drug that clinical trials show is 99% effective in preventing infections. But while experts are hopeful, public skepticism persists. Will it change the fight against HIV?

Polls have closed in Cameroon as Paul Biya seeks an eighth term. With a divided opposition and rising youth disillusionment, DW explores what's next.

With the expiry of the US trade pact known as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which Africa enjoyed for 25 years, African economies are rethinking their trade playbook. Join AfricaLink host Josephine Mahachi, DW correspondent Thuso Khumalo and Bonke Dumisa, an economist, as they explore the road towards Africa's self-reliance in the global market.

Human rights activists are urgently calling for legal safeguards against ritual-related violence and protection for people living with albinism in Zambia. But can such movements bring real change to the Albinism community? DW's Josephine Mahachi speaks with DW correspondent Kathy Short in Zambia and John Chiti, a person with albinism and Executive Director of the Albinism Association of Zambia.

As Nigeria marked 65 years of independence from British colonial rule, President Bola Tinubu declared that "the worst is over." His statement follows a series of tough economic reforms, but is Nigeria truly on the path to recovery? Josephine Mahachi explores this question with DW correspondent Olisa Chukwumah in Lagos and economic analyst Dr. Paul Alaje.

Nigeria is debating a bill aimed at increasing women's participation in politics. Among the suggestions is the introduction of reserved parliamentary seats for women. But is that enough? Eddy Micah Jr explores these questions with Judith Isreal Shaibu, a politician from the opposition Social Democratic Party, and DW correspondent Ben Shemang in Abuja.

Ghana has overtaken South Africa as the continent's chief gold producer. But many Ghanaians say they see no benefits. Instead, they're left with poisoned rivers, destroyed farmlands, and foreign companies pocketing most of the profits. Join us to discuss the gold rush with DW's Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena in Accra, Ghana and Alex Vines, the Africa Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

As Cameroonians prepare to head to the polls on October 12, many questions arise: How united is the opposition? Why is President Biya absent from the campaign trail? How secure are regions historically affected by violence? What role do women play in this election? DW correspondent Jean Marie Ngong Song and political analyst Fokum Violet join us today as we unpack Cameroon's upcoming election.

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Kenya, claiming an estimated five lives each day. Despite the alarming toll, conversations on screening and early detection remain shrouded in stigma. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. explores the issue with correspondent Felix Maringa in Kenya and medical expert Dr. Martin Kuria.

More than 330 Nigerian websites were seized in one sweep by Microsoft and US authorities in recent days, run by a shadowy network of cybercriminals linked exploiting the digital space to scam, steal, and sabotage. Is Nigeria doing enough to combat this cybercrime menace that is tied to its citizens — or are we stuck in a cycle where global crackdowns expose the weaknesses we refuse to fix at home?

Over 2.6 million people live in displacement across northern Nigeria, with schools shuttered, healthcare unavailable, food insecure and dreams deferred. Amid this crisis, the Nigerian government's resettlement plan rose amid cautious hope - to rebuild communities, restore agriculture, reopen schools, and bring back normalcy. But are the latest waves of violence and insecurity putting it at risk?

South Africa has launched the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption. Triggered by explosive claims from KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the probe opened Sept. 17. He alleges police and lawmakers obstructed justice. Will the inquiry reshape the nation's justice system — and offer lessons for Africa?

Africa is pushing for a stronger voice at the UN General Assembly. Can the continent secure real influence on the global stage? Security analyst Fidel Owusu Amakye and international relations analyst Michael Kwadwo Nketiah share their insights.

Eight years after Mugabe's fall, Mnangagwa's Zimbabwe is haunted by repression, fear, and division. Is the opposition failing, or is the ruling party too ruthless to be challenged?

Nigeria's 2023 election outcome left many disappointed, but will 2027 be any different? In this episode of The Baobab, Senator Nenadi Usman joins us to talk rigged votes, rising hope, and why she's never run for president. But we ask, is Nigerias Labour ready to lead and are women finally being seen as serious contenders?

Peter Mutharika leads Malawi's election with 51% in early results. As delays spark concern and arrests are reported, citizens await the final outcome of his showdown with Lazarus Chakwera.

With Uganda's 2026 elections approaching, President Museveni is confident of securing another term. He promises stability and a strong vision for the East African country. But are Museveni's decades in power a legacy or the making of a monarchy?

South Sudan's largest opposition movement asked supporters to defend their country, days after vice president Riek Machar was arrested. Machar faces charges, including murder, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to human rights advocate Stephen Robo Musa, and DW's correspondent Michael Atit in Juba.

Across Africa, governments are tightening free speech, as activists face harassment, arrests, and digital surveillance. At the Third Annual Activist Symposium in Johannesburg, advocates are pushing back, calling for stronger protections. At a time when human rights defenders face unprecedented threats, how do activists across Africa continue to resist, rebuild, and reimagine justice?

Cameroon is heading into a pivotal election on October 12, though separatists in anglophone regions have called for a month-long lockdown to sabotage the polls. Many anglophone voters are scared for their lives, as separatists threaten those who vote with abduction, torture, and murder. DW correspondents in Yaoundé, Moki Kindzeka, and Jean Marie Ngong in the Anglophone town of Bamenda join us.

Africa is the world's youngest continent — but it's ageing faster than ever. By 2050, nearly 200 million Africans will be over 60. What will this mean for families, economies and the future of care? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks with Frank Yiga and Wanjiku Joyce Kairu, founder of the Purity Elderly Care Foundation and a leading voice on ageing and elder care.

24 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, Africa still feels the impact. In this AfricaLink podcast, DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Fidele Amakye Owusu, a security analyst in Ghana, and DW's Zainabu Aziz, who closely followed the attacks in New York, to understand the global shockwaves from an African perspective.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu says the country has hit its 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule and won't need to borrow to fund its budget. Is this a genuine economic breakthrough or political spin? In this episode, DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed, an economist, and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja to unpack what this means for Nigeria's economy, debt profile, and everyday citizens.

Hundreds of Ford workers in South Africa are about to lose their jobs. The company says it's about "optimising production," but behind that are bigger forces—collapsing exports to the US due to the Trump tariffs. Could this be the start of a wider jobs crisis in South Africa's auto industry? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to economist Theuns Thiens du Buisson and DW's Diane Walker in Johannesburg.

Burkina Faso has joined a growing list of African nations criminalizing same-sex relations. The new law has sparked outrage from human rights groups. In this podcast, AfricaLink speaks to Larissa Kojoue, a Human Rights Watch representative, and Angel Maxine, an LGBTQ+ activist from Ghana, where parliament passed a similar law that has yet to be signed into law.

Junta-led Niger cites its own citizens' struggles in obtaining Schengen visas. It's the latest move in a dramatic shift away from the West — and toward new allies like Russia, Turkey, and China. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to security analyst Beverly Ochieng, and DW's correspondent in West Africa, Bram Posthumus.

The Nigerian army claims the country is safer, but many citizens feel less secure than ever. With armed groups active in northern and southern states, and civilians caught in the crossfire, how do the authorities distinguish between separatists and terrorists? And how does the military plan to control them? Nigeria's army spokesman Tukur Gusau joins us Under The Baobab.

From Kebbi and Niger in the north to Lagos in the south, overloaded and poorly regulated boats capsize, leaving hundreds dead each year. So, why do they keep happening, and what will it take to improve safety? Host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Captain Caleb Danladi, a seasoned maritime expert, and DW's Jamiu Abiodun — who's been documenting the wave of tragedies on Nigeria's waterways.

Peaceful protests are being met with intimidation, and colonial-era laws. From rising internet costs to demands for transparency, citizens — especially youth — are taking to the streets. But why is the government clamping down? Host Eddy Micah Jr. joins human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, and DW's Sankulleh Janko in Banjul, to unpack the tension between civic freedom and state control.

More than 130,000 Ugandan civil servants — about 35% of the public workforce — bribed their way into government jobs, according to Uganda's Inspectorate of Government. Many lacked the required qualifications, leading to poor service delivery. How can the state turn this around? DW's Eddy Micah Jr speaks to academic and retired civil servant Tom Wanyakala, and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala.

Mali's military rulers promised dignity and stability five years ago, but democracy has been sidelined, the economy is stagnant, and violence continues across the country. But how has the junta convinced enough Malians that they are on the right path? DW's George Okachi speaks to analyst Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South and DW correspondent Bram Posthumus.

Africa is abundant in resources — but who is truly benefiting from them? In this episode of Under the Baobab, NJ Ayuk doesn't hold back. From oil politics to private power, we ask: Is the continent's wealth building nations or just billionaires?

Ghana's rising energy debt has sparked fears of a return to dumsor — the blackouts that once crippled homes and businesses. With debt projected to soar, are the country's 24-hour economy and future growth at risk? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Ben Boakye from the Africa Center for Energy Policy and DW's Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena in Ghana.

Nigeria's leaders may get a pay rise, but critics say it's out of touch and dangerous amid poverty and inflation. Is this politics as usual or a tipping point for reform? DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to David Okoroafor, a professor of economics at the University of Abuja, and DW correspondent Ben Adam Shemang.