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