Africalink | Deutsche Welle

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.

In a rapidly changing international trade system, can African nations grab the initiative by striking beneficial trade deals with rich nations like Japan? DW's Cai Nebe talks to Michael Kwadwo Nketiah, an international relations analyst, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

A new report shows 1 in 4 Nigerian dads tested may not be the biological father of their child. DW's George Okachi unpacks the findings with Smart DNA's Oweyemi Hanifat and DW correspondent Ben Shemang.

In Ghana's northern frontier, ancient rivalries and modern threats collide. What's fueling the violence? Could Ghana become the next frontline in West Africa's security crisis? George Okachi discusses the volatility in the region with conflict researcher and lecturer Felix Longi and DW correspondent Maxwell Suuk in Tamale.

South Africa's long-awaited National Dialogue sought to unite the country but was criticized over rushed timing and missing key voices. As poverty, inequality, and political fractures deepen, can it deliver real change, or will it become another talk shop? DW's George Okachi speaks to Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, National Dialogue Spokesperson, and DW correspondent Thuso Khumalo in Johannesburg.

President Bola Tinubu has imposed a 7-year ban on establishing new universities in Nigeria. With nearly 300 universities already in operation, should Nigeria focus on expanding access, or prioritize raising the quality of existing institutions? George Okachi speaks to education specialist Clare Ohunayo and DW's correspondent in Abuja, Ben Shemang.

A hunter's death has once again sparked a fierce debate on South Africa's controversial game hunting industry. On today's episode of the AfricaLink podcast, DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with conservation author and ecotourism operator Ian Michler and DW correspondent in South Africa Dianne Hawker about the ethics and realities of game hunting in South Africa.

Ghana's president John Mahama says his government is fighting corruption, but critics say it's a witch hunt targeting rivals. Is this real reform — or political spin?

Recent air crashes have claimed African leaders and medics. Are these isolated tragedies — or signs of deeper flaws in the continent's aviation systems?

ECOWAS plans to launch a regional currency by 2027, despite past delays and ongoing hurdles. The pledge was made at the Sahel government forum in Gambia. Will it finally happen?

Eddy Micah Jr. is being joined today by Ezenwa Nwagwu from the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center and DW's own Patrick Oyet in Juba to discuss the secretive deals behind US President Donald Trump's third-country deportation policy, sending unwanted migrants in the US to African nations like Eswatini, South Sudan, and Rwanda.

Several presidential candidates in Malawi have chosen female running mates for the first time. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. explores what this means for gender inclusion with analyst Sainala Kalebe and DW's Mirriam Kariiza.

In a move to protect local entrepreneurs, Tanzania has banned foreign nationals from operating in 15 key business sectors—including mobile money, retail trade, and tour guiding. Supporters call it economic justice. Critics warn of investor flight. Kenyans feel targeted. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Morris Karimi, a financial analyst and development economist and DW's Andrew Wasike in Nairobi.

Once seen as a reformer, President Adama Barrow now faces public backlash over corruption, unfulfilled promises, and the controversial sale of former President Yahya Jammeh's assets. What do Gambians think of Barrow's record on reforms? Gambia's Minister of Information, Ismaila Ceesay, joins Under the Baobab.

Nigerians have responded to the recent 'Nigerians Must Go' protests in Ghana with a mix of diplomatic restraint and calls for unity as tensions between the two West African nations flared over allegations of crime and economic dominance. To get to the bottom of the story, Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Prof. Abubakar Umar Kari, a political analyst and DW correspondents Isaac Kaledzi and Ben Shemang.

A nationwide strike by nurses that brought Nigeria's healthcare system to its knees has ended. But what did it take to get here? In this episode, we dive into the high-stakes negotiations and the human cost of the standoff. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Joe Akpi, Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, National Hospital Chapter, and DW correspondent Abiodun Jamiu.

Can Africa's healthcare thrive by reconciling traditional and modern medicine? On today's episode of AfricaLink Podcast, DW's Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena and Dr. Daniel Boamah, Deputy Director of Ghana's Centre for Plant Medicine Research, join Josey Mahachi for a compelling conversation on the future of healthcare in Africa.

The future of Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, is in crisis after being barred from the October 2025 election — and from all by-elections until 2030. Is this a calculated move by President Samia Suluhu to silence dissent, or is CHADEMA crumbling under the weight of its own internal divisions?

Citizens continue to face visa restrictions and border bureaucracy from fellow African nations. Despite the African Union's push for free movement as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area, progress remains slow. So, what's holding it back? Josey Mahachi speaks to AU consultant Oluwafemi Olamuyiwa, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

In northern Nigeria, communities are taking peace into their own hands — dealing directly with jihadist groups after years of failed state efforts. What does this mean for security, governance, and the future of the region? Josey Mahachi talks to peacebuilding analyst Dengiyefa Angalapu and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Abuja.

25 years ago, Africa had zero billionaires. Today, it has 23, and the four richest have as much wealth as 750 million Africans combined. But how is this concentration of wealth taxing Africa's poorest people? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Kwesi Obeng reseracher at Oxfam, Africa and DW's Olisa Chukwuma in Lagos

Nigeria won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for a dominating 10th time. But their victory was built on grit, belief and resilience against increasingly stiff competition from Africa's growing potential in women's football. DW's Josey Mahachi talks to Olisa Chukwurah in Lagos about what made this triumph sweeter than the rest.

Dr. Daniel Bwala, once the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during Nigeria's 2023 presidential race, now serves as a key spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu. In this episode of Under the Baobab, Bwala explains why he believes Tinubu is one of the most capable leader on the global stage — and the right person to drive Nigeria's economic transformation.

A Muslim advocacy group in Malawi has petitioned the government to allow female employees in security agencies to wear the hijab at work. They argue that current restrictions infringe on religious freedoms. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Hijab Taskforce representative Abdus-Salaam Faduweck and DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha in Malawi.

Ghana's cocoa production has plummeted from 1.4 million metric tons to just 4,000. What caused the drastic decline in the country that has been a leading cocoa producer for more than a century? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu, President of the Concerned Farmers Association, and DW's Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena in Accra.

The recent death of Nigeria's former president at a hospital in the UK has called into question why so many African elites and citizens engage in medical tourism abroad. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Nigeria's Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, public health researcher Jamila Atiku, and DW's Andrew Wasike in Kenya.

The world's oldest head of state, Paul Biya of Cameroon, intends to seek reelection in October. But, in the buildup to the vote, some of his allies are jockeying to to replace the leader of more than four decades. Josey Mahachi talks to Anchang Paul, a political analyst, and DW correspondent Moki Kindzeka in Yaounde.

She once ran for president, defied the political establishment, and became a rare female voice on Cameroon's national stage. But today, Kah Walla is unusually quiet. Is she walking away from politics — or preparing her boldest move yet? She joins us "Under The Baobab."

Ghanaian President John Mahama has launched the bold 24-hour economy plan, promising 1.7 million jobs by 2029. With a $4 billion price tag and up to $400 million in seed funding, the initiative targets productivity in agriculture, manufacturing and essential services. But after a debt default and a $3 billion IMF bailout, is Ghana ready to power through the night?

In a bold diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has welcomed five West African leaders to the White House, spotlighting the region's vast mineral wealth and strategic importance. As the US pivots from aid to trade, the high-stakes summit signaled a new chapter in global power dynamics — where Africa's resources are the prize in a growing contest with China and Russia.

Freedom of expression is under threat in Zimbabwe as the ruling party pushes to criminalize criticism of the government, labeling it unpatriotic. Opposition legislators warn that such a law could be used to silence dissenting voices and target journalists. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Nigel Nyamutumbu, Programs Manager at the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, and DW's Privilege Musvanhiri.

Nigerians are divided on the legacy of their late former president. He was hailed for his anti-corruption drive and security focus and criticized for economic problems and rising insecurity. Josey Mahachi talks to Dengiyefa Angalapu, a researcher with the Centre for Democracy and Development, and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Abuja.