Analysis, Background Information and more about the stories making headlines – Mondays to Fridays on Africalink.
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.
Experts are warning that democracy across Africa is under serious threat. The new Democracy Capture (DEMCAP) Index shows that powerful interests are increasingly taking control of democratic institutions, undermining governance. Eddy Micah Jr speaks to researchers Dr. John Osae-Kwapong and Lois Matthew. They focus on democratization and authoritarianism in West Africa and the Sahel.
In Ghana, women in agriculture face tough challenges, including entrenched gender norms, limited access to credit, and unequal access to land. Some of them have decided to break barriers by joining forces to fight discrimination and poverty while boosting food security in rural areas. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Wedam Kadoa Rhoda, CEO of the Song-ba Empowerment Center and DW's own Maxwell Suuk.
The Nigerian government says will simplify the system and boost compliance. But how will this affect businesses and citizens already stretched by rising living costs? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Daniel Olika, a lawyer and fiscal policy analyst, and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Nigeria.
A new wave of anti-government protests in Kenya led to scores of fatalities and hundreds of arrested this week. And, the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights says police are working with criminal gangs. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to political analyst Michael Nato and DW's Diana Wanyonyi in Mombasa.
Uganda's opposition parties are drafting a cooperation agreement ahead of a general election. They aim to unseat Yoweri Museveni, the country's president for the last 40 years. Josey Mahachi talks to Adolph Mbeine, a lecturer at Makerere University, and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala.
Rights defenders in Kenya want more community protections for elderly women, especially in rural areas. It follows reports of old women being accused of witchcraft, denied inheritance, forced out of their marital homes, and abandoned. Josephine Mahachi speaks to DW's Andrew Wasike and Anne Rose Chege, a social worker and rights advocate in Kenya.
Malawi's biggest refugee camp, Dzaleka Refugee Camp, currently home to around 56,500 people, faces a bleak future as UNHCR withdraws funding and staff. What could this mean for a facility that human rights activists say is already as a source of human trafficking and crime? Josey Mahachi speaks to Jessie Chingoma, a gender and labor activist and DW's George Mhango in Blantyre.
Human rights groups say a US-backed peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo fails to hold any parties accountable for fighting that has left thousands dead. President Donald Trump touts the deal as a way to access mineral resources. Josey Mahachi speaks with political commentator Gonza Mugi and Gasominari Jean Baptiste, a Congolese lawyer living in Rwanda as a refugee.
A Malawi-based human rights body says survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are punished instead of being protected, with little recourse to state protection from abusive partners. So why is it that laws meant to protect have become a barrier to justice? Josey Mahachi talks to Victor Mhango, executive director of CHREAA, and DW's Chimwemwe Padatha in Lilongwe.
Police fired tear gas into the streets and sealed off government buildings with barbed wire. At least 16 people were killed, according Amnesty International, and a government minister said the protests were 'terrorism disguised as dissent'. But how did this unfold? Josey Mahachi talks to analyst Martin Oloo and DW's Andrew Wasike in Nairobi.
After deadly attacks in central Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu promised support to the region and turn tragedy into prosperity. The government plans to support farmers in the bread basket region. Josey Mahachi talks to Rildwan Bello, an agriculture economist, and DW's Jamiu Abiodun in Nigeria.
During last weekend's summit in Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa's political and economic bloc, ECOWAS, acknowledged growing unrest and political instability in the region. ECOWAS leaders pledged to combat human trafficking, hunger and gender-based violence. Josey Mahachi speaks with Grace Yohanna, head of Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria, and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja.
Conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls has surged in the DRC, with over 67,000 cases reported in the first four months of 2025 alone. But major funding cuts mean health centers have run out of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits —vital in treatment following rape. Eddy Micah talks to Amadou Bocoum of the humanitarian NGO CARE, and DW's Jean Marie Ngong Song.
In Ghana, a new refugee agribusiness and sustainability program is hoping to empower more than 20,000 refugees to be self-reliant as countries mitigate impact of aid cuts. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Tetteh Padi, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, and Adwoa Domena, DW correspondent in Accra.
Activists in Kenya and the father of a man who was shot at close range by Kenyan police during a protest over the police custody death of influencer Albert Ojwang want justice. The Ojwang case has triggered a series of protests and the arrest of Nairobi police officers. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Nyamisa Chelangat, an activist, and DW correspondent in Nairobi.
Two governors of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), along with their cabinet members and other lawmakers have abandoned the opposition and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). DW's Eddy Micah Jr speaks to Dr. Timothy Golu, a former member of the House of Representatives and current Adviser to the Plateau State Governor, and DW's correspondent in Abuja, Ben Shemang.
On Youth Day, South Africans honor the young people who were killed by apartheid police in Soweto on June 16, 1976. More than 500 people lost their lives in a tragedy that became a rallying point, inspiring a nation to rise up against the apartheid regime. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Gcotyelwa Jimlongo, programs officer at Futurelect, and DW's Nontokozo Mchunu in Cape Town.
Greenpeace Africa says 42,000 South Africans died because of air pollution in 2023, and wants South African energy producers to be held to account. But how will the country balance environmental risks with its energy demands? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Greenpeace campaign lead Cynthia Moyo, and DW's Thuso Khumalo in Johannesburg.
As the world marks World Day Against Child Labor, Uganda is grappling with millions of children trapped in child labor. Experts say laws protecting children from hazardous labor in sub-Saharan Africa are still poorly enforced and many communities are unaware of available support.
Kenyan President William Ruto has condemned the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. The case has sparked anger online and small protests at a tense moment for Kenya, which is marking a year since protests over tax rises and corruption that triggered a deadly police response.
Zambia is mourning the death of former president Edgar Lungu, who served from 2015-2021. Lungu died last Thursday in a hospital in South Africa at the age of 68. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Kelly Kaunda, who served at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin during President Edgar Lungu's rule, and DW's Glory Mushinge.
A surge in chronic kidney disease is alarming health officials in Nigeria. An increasing number of patients require dialysis and transplants, with the cause unknown. DW's Eddy Micah Jr talks to Dr. Goni Waru of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital Damaturu and Mohammed Al-Amin, DW correspondent in Nigeria.
Nigeria's public debt is projected to exceed $100 billion following President Bola Tinubu's request for new loans. The latest push to borrow is fueling concern over debt sustainability. Josey Mahachi talks to Mma Amara Ekeruche, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Nigeria.
Cameroon is the world's most neglected displacement crisis, according to a Norwegian Refugee Council report, which warns that rising nationalism and waning international support have deepened the crisis.
US Africa Command chief Gen. Michael Langley has called on fragile states to take greater ownership of their security. It's a move analysts interpret as part of a broader shift in the Trump administration's defense strategy — one that emphasizes homeland security and a reduced overseas military presence.