Africalink | Deutsche Welle

As the World Cup kicks off on Thursday, African teams are ready to battle it out on the pitch. In part two of this AfricaLink podcast, we continue to ask the question: Is this the tournament where Africa goes all the way, and can the continent finally break the ultimate barrier and lift the trophy? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Abigail Sena, a sports analyst in Accra, and DW's Samson Omale in Lagos

African teams are heading to the World Cup with bigger dreams than ever. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and Africa's finest are ready. Is this the tournament where Africa goes all the way, and can the continent finally break the ultimate barrier and lift the trophy? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Abigail Sena a sports analyst in Accra and DW's Samson Omale in Lagos.

New research from East Africa shows that pairing entrepreneurship support with market access can dramatically boost incomes, savings, and resilience among refugees. In this AfricaLink episode, Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Winnie Auma, Chief Operating Officer at Village Enterprise and Frank Yiga in Kampala to explore how the DREAMS program is helping families rebuild their lives.

Hundreds of Ghanaians have returned home from South Africa following anti-migrant protests. In this episode of AfricaLink, we hear how a Ghanaian footballer called Fiifi was forced to leave South Africa for his safety, and the difficult road ahead. AfricaLink host Eddy Micah Jr. and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra also unpack the wider tensions around migration, jobs, and xenophobia in South Africa.

Women make up half the population in Nigeria but hold a fraction of political power. How can they reshape the country's political future — and what still stands in their way?

Ethiopia's election was hailed as proof of democracy — but conflict, insecurity and disrupted polling kept millions from voting. Was the vote free and fair? We break down the results, tensions and what it means for the country.

Senegal faces a power struggle as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his ally-turned-opponent Ousmane Sonko part ways. Who's really in charge — and what does it mean for citizens amid a deepening debt crisis?

In eastern DRC, the battle against Ebola is being fought alongside ongoing conflict. As violence restricts access, fuels mistrust, and disrupts lifesaving care, health workers face a daunting challenge: containing a deadly virus in one of the world's most insecure regions. DW spoke to DRC's Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba, and Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.

63 years ago, African leaders dreamt of unity, liberation and shared prosperity. Decades later, intra-African trade is still struggling, conflicts keep erupting, and a common currency? Still a pipe dream. Eddy Micah Jr. sits down with Nanre Nafziger, Pan-Africanist Activist Solidarity Collective, and DW's Eric Mawuena Egbeta (Ghana) to ask the questions nobody's answering.

Uganda's parliament has repeatedly faced allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment and misuse of public funds. In this Africalink podcast, host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Yvonne Mpambara, lawyer, activist, and former independent presidential candidate, along with DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala, discuss President Yoweri Museveni's anti-corruption drive.

Nigeria's latest plan to secure a $1.2 billion World Bank loan has sparked fresh frustration and renewed debate about the country's rising debt burden. In this AfricaLink podcast, host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with Ene Obi, Executive Director of the Ene Obi Center for Development, and DW's Ben Adam Shemang in Abuja to unpack Nigeria's borrowing habits, their impact on the economy.

President Bola Tinubu promised bold reforms when he came into office, yet inflation is rising, food and transport costs are high, and security concerns remain. As he prepares to seek a second term, many are asking what that could mean for Nigeria.

Only five months after the DRC declared an Ebola outbreak over, the virus has returned, raising urgent questions about Africa's ability to respond amid US aid decline. DW's Adwoa Tenkorama Domena speaks with Dr. Gabriel Gorbee Logan, a central figure in the 2014–2016 West African Ebola response and Dr. Jinal Bhiman, communicable diseases expert in South Africa.

Kenya faces record fuel prices pushing some transport fares up by as much as 50%. Households are under pressure as drivers threaten protests and a court battle unfolds.

Zimbabwe's land reform is back in focus as land returns to some white farmers. Many Black farmers feel betrayed. Why is the policy shifting and what does it mean for land ownership and justice?

Rwandan government critic, Aimable Karasira, died the day he was set to be released from prison. Authorities say he overdosed on prescribed medicine, but rights groups want an independent investigation. What does this incident mean for Rwanda's record on civic freedoms? AfricaLink host Lucy Riley speaks with political commentator Jean Baptiste Gasominari, and DW's Alex Ngarambe in Kigali.

Ghana's President John Mahama has proposed new legislation to stamp out sexual exploitation in the workplace. What would the law cover, how will it be enforced?

DR Congo's president signals he could delay elections and stay in power longer, citing insecurity. How serious is the crisis — and is this about stability or extending his rule?

The US and South Africa have held fresh talks on mining cooperation, as the US steps up efforts to secure critical minerals and reduce its reliance on China. Is this a fair deal or strategic rivalry? And how does it compare with controversial mining agreements in DR Congo?

Uganda is debating a new "foreign agents" law billed as protection from outside influence. Critics say its broad scope could hit NGOs, opposition parties and businesses. Is it about sovereignty — or control?

Nigeria, Ghana, and Mozambique have all raised concerns about attacks on their citizens living in South Africa where locals claim that illegal migration is driving up unemployment, straining health services, and fueling crime. DW's Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena looks at the painful yet familiar debate about xenophobia in South Africa.

Zambia abruptly canceled an international conference on human rights in the digital age — allegedly after Chinese interference. Questions are now swirling about censorship, sovereignty, and the shrinking space for free expression in southern Africa.

Ghana's decision to walk away from a multi-million-dollar US health deal is getting a lot of attention and praise across Africa. What exactly was Ghana asked to sign?

The increasingly close ties between politicians, criminal networks and police has eroded belief in South Africa's justice system, and given rise to fears of deeply embedded corruption. We look at how South Africans are dealing with the jaw-dropping allegations. Host Eddy Micah talks to policing researcher David Bruce, and DW's Nontokozo Mchunu in Cape Town.

When children are restrained and flogged in public and those who try to protect them are attacked, the question is no longer about street life. It's about human rights, dignity, and whether society sees these children as people in need of care or problems to be pushed out of sight. Adwoa Domena speaks to James Okina, founder of Street Priests Inc, and DW's Azeezat Abiola Olaoluwa.

An inquiry set up by the Tanzanian government to investigate the 2025 election unrest revealed that at least 518 people died of unnatural causes. However, it failed to indicate who was responsible for the deaths, recommending further investigations. Eddy Micah Jnr speaks with senior researcher in the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch, Oryem Nyeko, to delve deeper into the pursuit of justice.

Malawi's fuel crisis is probably severe than anywhere in Africa. The government has been forced to sell of precious gold reserves to buy fuel to keep hospitals and agriculture running. How are Malawians coping and is there a solution? Eddy Micah Jnr. speaks with Michael Kaiyatsa, a human rights activist and head of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and DW's Chimwemwe Padatha in Lilongwe.

Ghana is seeking to expand access to Malaria vaccines for children amid cuts in USAID funding. Experts now warn of new gaps in prevention and care. AfricaLink unpacks the progress, the politics, and the uncertain road ahead. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks to Dr. Nana Yaw Peprah, Deputy Programme Manager for Ghana's National Malaria Elimination Programme and DW's Eric Mawuena Egbeta in Accra.

The Nigerian military says ex–Boko Haram fighters deserve a second chance. Many Nigerians disagree. We explore the backlash and what's at stake.

Pope Leo XIV has drawn huge crowds in Cameroon, calling for peace and condemning corruption. His message is stirring both hope and debate. So can faith help shape Cameroon's political future?

A leaked memo and quiet call-ups saw thousands report for police training without public notice. Authorities call it internal, but critics say the secrecy undermines trust and accountability.

Uganda's ruling NRM, led by President Yoweri Museveni, is drawing in opposition and independent MPs. With defections rising and parties divided, critics warn Uganda's multiparty democracy is being hollowed out.

As Sudan's war enters its third year, a generation of children is growing up knowing nothing but violence, hunger, and displacement. This week, Germany convened governments, UN agencies and aid groups to step up the response.

Nigeria's counterterrorism strategy is under intense scrutiny following the killing of dozens of civilians in a recent military airstrike on terrorists.

Tundu Lissu, Tanzania's main opposition leader, has spent a year in detention. What does that say about democracy and human rights in the country?

As countries prepare to introduce possible tariffs on everything from cloud services to cross‑border e‑commerce, concerns are rising over what this could mean for Africa's fast‑growing digital markets.

Leaders in Nigeria and South Africa say the title "Igbo king" and related coronations outside Nigeria have no authority. Is this cultural confusion — or does it point to a deeper clash over identity and power?

Deadly attacks in Jos have once again triggered a heavy security response. Why does Nigeria's Plateau State repeatedly fall back into violence, and what could finally break the cycle?

On April 7 each year, the world honors more than 1 million people murdered during the 100‑day genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994. The day calls for remembrance, support for survivors, and renewed resolve to prevent atrocities.

Zambia is emerging as one of southern Africa's fastest‑growing economies. As mining booms and farms recover, can years of reform finally deliver lasting stability?

Nigeria is marking World Autism Day with its biggest-ever screening drive. The nationwide initiative, "Spark a Spectrum of Possibilities 2026," offers free screenings and consultations aiming to improve early diagnosis and support for thousands of children. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks to autism campaigner Maria Okafor, founder of the RBM Autism Foundation, and DW's Kunle Babs in Abuja.

Zimbabwe's constitutional reform push is sparking intense debate. Critics warn it could extend President Mnangagwa's term and significantly impact how leaders are chosen, but supporters say it will stabilize the country. As public hearings continue, Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with activist Namatai Kwekweza and DW correspondent Columbus Mavhunga to unpack what it means for ordinary Zimbabweans.