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

A humanoid robot named Walker E, or "Mutembei," appeared on Kenyan TV recently. Universities, schools and labs around Africa are delving into the technology that raises some deep questions.

Ghana rejects health deal with US over privacy concerns +++ Kenya: Court denies application to stop launch of Dangote refinery +++ Uganda crowns Tooro king after weeks of succession battle

Weight-loss drugs are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa — especially counterfeit ones. But what's behind the growing demand for these medications? And how safe are they?

The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition head Tundu Lissu is in its final stages. Lissu could face the death penalty if convicted. Political analyst Paternus Niyegira and DW reporter Naomi Jasseda weigh in on his fate.

The US plans to support development of Kenya's rare earth and niobium industries at Mrima Hill. Could the deal boost jobs and growth, or deepen Kenya's dependence on foreign partners?

African leaders at the UN General Assembly demand permanent seats on the Security Council — deciding war, peace and sanctions. How realistic is reform, and what stands in the way?

Nine women have been found dead in Johannesburg in under two months, reigniting concerns about femicide and violence against women and girls in South Africa.

Youth voters helped shape Nigeria's 2023 election. With inflation, unemployment and migration reshaping priorities, are young Nigerians still engaged ahead of the 2027 vote?

Nigeria is facing growing calls to decriminalize attempted suicide. What would that change mean for vulnerable people and the mental health system?

Malawi's plan to send 500 nurses to Israel has sparked debate. Supporters say it's a chance for unemployed nurses to earn and upskill, but critics warn it could cripple the country's health system.

Are journliasts in Lesotho safe? Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks to Lerato Matheka, Managing Editor at Newsday, about wthe alleged attack on journalist Kananelo Boloetse and what this means for press freedom in Lesotho.

How can Kenya protect local businesses while keeping the region open for trade and movement? Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena discusses these developments with economist Sheila Olang and DW reporter Lucy Riley in Nairobi.

The long-running Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is still keeping many children out of school. What does it mean for their future?

A new UN resolution calls for the use of maps that don't diminish Africa's size. What will that mean for perceptions of the continent?

Kidnapping has become a growing business in Nigeria, with thousands abducted for ransom. Lucy Riley speaks to SBM analyst David Olujinmi and DW's Olise Chukwumah about how Nigeria's kidnapping economy funds terrorism.

Ghana wants more than just gold sales, as the government pushes for local processing and greater value addition. Lucy Riley finds out more with mining consultant Seth Worlashime and DW's Eric Mawuena Egbeta in Accra.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema begins a second term after a disputed election. With economic hardship and a weakened opposition, can he bridge deep divisions and unite Zambia?

Corruption allegations, unpaid players and poor results have plunged the Nigeria Football Federation into crisis. Does the leadership walkout signal real reform or just a reshuffle?

Leaders and young people met at the Africa Mindset Reset Forum in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to rethink Africa's leadership and institutions. But can ambitious ideas move beyond debate and deliver real change?

Flooding is a recurring issue across Nigeria, with communities in 33 states at high risk. Poor waste disposal, blocked drains, rapid urbanization and construction on waterways are among the factors making the problem worse. After the recent flooding in Abuja, authorities have turned to demolitions — but can tearing down buildings really prevent future floods?

Some US deportees reportedly refused to disembark in Liberia. Why is the African country taking up to 1,200 people under one of the Trump administration's largest third-country deportation deals?

Wildlife trafficking is usually associated with elephants and rhinos. But in East Africa, a much smaller creature is becoming part of the illegal trade: the Giant African Harvester Ant. A single queen can fetch €200. But these ants still play a vital role in their ecosystems. Lucy Riley speaks with ant expert Dino Martins and DW's Andrew Wasike in Nairobi about the growing trade in African ants.

Paul Biya has returned to Cameroon after 73 days abroad. But his prolonged absence and a major military reshuffle have raised questions about growing power struggles within the country. Political analyst Quinivet Jokem and DW's Moki Edwin Kindzeka in Yaounde join us to discuss what all this means for Cameroon.

Cameroon says 16 of its citizens died serving in Russia's military. Why are young Africans signing up to fight in the Ukraine war, and what role do poverty and recruitment networks play?

SADC leaders met in Durban, South Africa to tackle growth, food security and regional stability. Can the summit turn ambitious plans into real results for millions across Southern Africa?

Hakainde Hichilema has won a second term as Zambia's president after an election marked by tensions and arrests. Can he tackle economic challenges and restore public confidence?

WAFCON 2026 delivered upsets, penalty drama, and one of the most extraordinary tournaments in recent African women's football history. What does this tournament tell us about the state of the game, and who has emerged as the biggest winner? Adwoa Tenkorama Domena speaks to football analyst Biola Solace-Chukwu and DW's correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha.

Three months into the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, the toll goes beyond deaths. Markets are closing, farms are abandoned and families are losing income. What is Ebola's true economic cost?

Ghana's President John Mahama wants to foster closer Caribbean ties to AfCFTA when Ghana chairs the African Union next year. Could a transatlantic free-trade market work despite political and logistical hurdles?

Cameroon President Paul Biya has not been seen in public since leaving for Europe on June 7. The 93-year-old leader, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, remains abroad as government business continues and senior military positions are reshuffled. Host Lucy Riley speaks with global affairs analyst Levi Mboushou and DW correspondent Dorcas Ekupe about what Biya's absence means.

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations is down to its final four. Who has impressed most, which teams can win the title, and what does WAFCON reveal about the future of women's football in Africa?

More than 95% of young people in Rwanda's rehab centers are being treated for alcohol addiction. What's driving the surge, and what can be done to stop it?

A growing number of high-profile cases against opposition politicians and government critics are testing Uganda's justice system and raising questions about democracy, dissent and the rule of law. Is justice or intimidation at play?

As Zambians prepare to vote in a general election on August 13, a new report by Transparency International has raised concerns about freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and political participation.

A nationwide shutdown campaign put Zimbabwe's political tensions in the spotlight on July 31. Why are questions about economic hardships and calls for accountability and constitutional reforms still swirling?

There's growing concern in Kenya over the rise of gangs allegedly hired to disrupt political and civic events. Who are they and how can their influence be curbed?

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is back, bigger than ever. As 16 teams battle for continental glory in Morocco, can defending champions Nigeria extend their dominance, or is Africa witnessing a new era led by new challengers like Morocco, South Africa and Zambia? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Biola Solace Chukwu, a sports analyst from Nigeria and DW's Glory Mushinge in Lusaka.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul just wrapped up a high-stakes Africa tour with stops in Mauritania, Nigeria, and South Africa. So, is Berlin finally treating Africa as a true strategic partner, or looking after its own interests? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Fidel Amakye Owusu, a geopolitical analyst based in Ghana and DW's Silja Fröhlich, who accompanied the foreign minister on his visit.

The Boko Haram insurgency has devastated communities across northeastern Nigeria. Ongoing terrorism trials are an important step toward justice for victims, but Human Rights Watch says many proceedings lack due process. In this episode of the AfricaLink podcast, Eddy Micah Jr. discusses with Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang and DW correspondent Ben Shemang in Abuja.

After fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa, many African migrants are trying to rebuild their lives back home. For some, the move meant leaving behind years of hard work. How are they coping with reintegration? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with two returnees, Winniefred Kabiri and Mathias Baguma, the leader of the Ugandan returnees from South Africa and DW correspondent in Uganda, Frank Yiga.

Rwanda has doubled down on its "Visit Rwanda" bold sports-marketing strategy, signing a landmark front-of-shirt deal with English premiership side Aston Villa worth up to £20 million annually. But can these partnerships reshape Rwanda's international image leveraging football's global stage? Eddy Micah Jnr speaks to Dr Alphonse Habimana, tourism expert and analyst and DW's Alex Ngarambe.

Ghana's Parliament has passed the Community Service Bill 2026, introducing an alternative to custodial sentences for eligible offenders. The reform aims to ease prison overcrowding, reduce the cost of incarceration and promote rehabilitation. But will the new system deliver results? Eddy Micah Jr. discusses the implications with law lecturer Christian Malm Hesse and DW's Eric Mawuena Egbeta.