Sinopsis
News and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast is published from Monday to Friday. It contains the day's top African stories.
Episodios
-
Cameroon's president seeks re-election at age 92
17/07/2025 Duración: 33minCameroon's Paul Biya has the distinction of being 'the world's oldest sitting president' and yet at age 92, he is seeking to run for an eighth term, that will see him serve until he is almost 100 years old. How much popular support does he have, and how strong is the opposition?Sudan's newly appointed prime minister, Kamal Idris, has named his cabinet ministers who will form his "government of hope". How will they function in the country still in the grip of war?And after the announcement by Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is complete and will be officially inaugurated in September, why has US President Donald Trump weighed in on the long-running dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the giant construction?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Sunita Nahar and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producers: Patricia Whitehorne and Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Kenyan protests: Impact on mental health
16/07/2025 Duración: 34minGen Z’s have largely led opposition street protests in Kenya. However, it's taking a toll on their mental health. We talk to an activist and a psychiatrist on how to cope.Why was a French sports journalist recently sentenced to 7 years in jail in Algeria? Was it for talking to a banned separatist movement- or due to diplomatic rows between Algeria and France?Plus, a report says more than a quarter of Africa's freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Bella Hassan and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
-
US deportees causing concern in South Sudan
15/07/2025 Duración: 29minResidents of South Sudan's capital Juba have voiced concern for their safety after the arrival of eight deportees from the United States. The Trump administration have described them as ‘violent criminals’. Who are these men, what did they do and how did they end up in South Sudan?Also, another peace deal in the Central African Republic, but will it hold?And as we enter the half way point for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations we look at the challenges women once faced - and still face - in the game!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Sunita Nahar in London Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari dead
14/07/2025 Duración: 30minFormer Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has died at 82. He was a two-time leader who first led Africa's most populous country as a military ruler, then later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. What will be his legacy and how will he be remembered?What's the truth behind recent coup rumours in Ivory Coast?And we remember Arthur Ashe, so far the only black male Wimbledon tennis champion, who defied apartheid in South AfricaPresenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Stefania Okereke ,Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya and Patricia Whitehorne in London. Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
DRC: Inside a mine controlled by M23
11/07/2025 Duración: 34minA recent US-brokered peace deal may have raised hopes of stability in eastern DRC. However, miners have told the BBC that M23’s control of mineral-rich areas could keep the conflict going.US aid cuts are forcing HIV clinics across Africa to shut down, with South Africa hit hardest. Experts are also warning that this could stall vaccine research and reverse years of progress.And Uganda has overtaken Ethiopia as Africa’s top coffee exporter, shipping 47,000 tonnes in just one month. How did they do it?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Stefania Okereke and Nyasha Michelle Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalist: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
-
US slaps 30% tariff on South Africa
10/07/2025 Duración: 32minUS President Donald Trump announced recently that he would impose a new 30% tariff on imports from South Africa. They kick in next month. What effect will this have on the nation?The United Nations Refugee Agency says the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province is intensifying – and spreadingAnd we meet one of Cameroon's first scientific diving marine scientists. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London.Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Ghanaians lured into football job scam
09/07/2025 Duración: 28minGhanaian authorities have rescued more than 70 young men from a trafficking ring in Nigeria. The men thought they were heading for football contracts or overseas opportunities. Why has football become a gateway for trafficking?Leaders from five African countries - Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal - have been invited to a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. What will they discuss?And we hear how women in Morocco are keeping the art of rug-weaving alive, and how traditional rugs are a symbol of cultural identity.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Alfonso Daniels and Sunita Nahar in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp
-
First malaria drug for infants approved
08/07/2025 Duración: 28minThe first malaria medicine suitable for babies and very young children is approved for use.How increased taxes on remittances from USA could hurt Africa.Plus, a new tool to help children with communication impairments.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Stefania Okereke in London, Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
-
How is Kenya marking the Saba Saba protests?
07/07/2025 Duración: 31minTwo people have reportedly died of gunshot wounds after police opened fire during protests in Kenya. It's the latest in a wave of anti-government rallies that began last year. The demonstrations mark the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests that launched Kenya's push for multiparty democracy. Security forces blocked all major roads into central Nairobi ahead of the protests. We'll hear analysis.Also, we are in Morocco as the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) gets underway. How has the host country fared so far?And a conversation with musical icon Angélique Kidjo about her Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp
-
Nigeria's new opposition alliance to challenge Tinubu
04/07/2025 Duración: 34minStarting pistol fired ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections. Two main opposition leaders form alliance in bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.We meet a Kenyan breastmilk champion -who is donating litres of breast milk to families in need.Plus, what are natural assets and why do we need to value them in Africa?Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos, Sunita Nahar in London, and Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Militant attacks increase in Mali
03/07/2025 Duración: 30minJihadist militants have launched a series of simultaneous attacks on military posts across numerous towns in Mali. It's the third major assault on Mali's army over the last month. Why is there an increase in these attacks, and what's the impact on neighbouring countries? Also, the kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria that's got many living in fear.And did you know that Ghana shares an old friendship with India? But how does the recent visit by India's Prime Minister benefit Ghana?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
DRC children fathered by UN peacekeepers
02/07/2025 Duración: 30minMothers in the DRC struggling to raise children fathered and abandoned by UN peacekeepers amid fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Also in the programme: we ask South Africa's minister of police whether he's lost control of the spiralling gang violence in Cape Town. And the rising wave of South Korean culture sweeping across Africa.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Nyasha Michelle, Bella Hassan Yvette Twagiramariya, Amie Liebowitz Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Why has polio re-emerged in Angola?
01/07/2025 Duración: 33minAngola was certified as polio-free in 2015, but is now combatting a new outbreak of the disease after several cases were reported in a Western province. What has caused the virus to come back?A new report says Islamist militants are using Starlink technology to ramp up operational capabilities in Niger. And why are South Sudanese women fashion's favourites and are being sought after on the catwalk?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Alfonso Daniels in London Senior Producers: Patricia Whitehorne and Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Deaths after anti-government protests in Togo
30/06/2025 Duración: 33minAt least seven people reportedly killed, and many others wounded during recent anti-government protests in Togo’s capital Lome. The Togolese government denies the allegations.Who is Victoire Ingabire and why has the Rwandan government locked her up again? Plus, a look ahead to the Women's African Cup of Nations in MoroccoPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos, Victor Sylver, Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh in London Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
-
A rise in child abductions in Mozambique
27/06/2025 Duración: 33minCivil organisations in Mozambique say at least 120 children have been kidnapped by insurgents in the north of the country. The Human Rights Watch group warn of a rise in abductions in the country's troubled nothern province of Cabo Delgado. The children are reportedly being used by Al-Shabab, an insurgent group linked to the so-called Islamic State, to transport looted goods, cheap labour and in some cases as child soldiers. We'll hear from someone closely monitoring the kidnappings.Also, are there increased US bombings against targets in Somalia since Donald Trump became president?And we meet Cathy Dreyer, the first female ranger to head up the team at the Kruger National Park in South Africa!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Alfonso Daniels and Nyasha Michelle Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
-
Youth-led protests erupt in Kenya
26/06/2025 Duración: 35minPeople from Kenya’s growing Gen Z movement hold protests demanding justice and police accountability. We ask whether the police is acting on behalf of the Kenyan government. The protests marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations. Also in the programme: a quarter of a century after their land was seized, a small group of white farmers in Zimbabwe accept a controversial compensation deal from the government.And why food drops in South Sudan conducted by a American company called Fogbow are proving so controversial?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Charles Gitongo and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Gabriel O' Regan Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Chad: A rise in intercommunal violence
25/06/2025 Duración: 34minA new bout of intercommunal violence in Chad, has left more than 40 people dead, according to the Chadian Government. This includes women and children. What's behind the recent rise in violence?Also, the border town of Zalambesa re-opened after years of tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Will it stay that way? And we discuss the mixed reviews of Tyler Perry's latest movie, Straw. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Joseph Keen, Nyasha Michelle, Alfonso Daniels and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Jihadists strike military base in Niger
24/06/2025 Duración: 34minMore than 200 gunmen on motorbikes recently attacked a Niger army base leaving at least 34 soldiers dead. Meanwhile dozens of civilians were reportedly killed in another attack in the region. Why is western Niger vulnerable to attacks by militant Islamists?Concerns after Sudan orders universities in Khartoum to reopenAnd how Nelson Mandela used sport to help transform South Africa, 30 years on from the Springboks victory in the Rugby World Cup. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers:: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan, and Yvette Twagiramariya in London, with Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
Inside Cape Town's gang wars
23/06/2025 Duración: 28minThe South African city of Cape Town is one of the wealthiest cities in Africa, but it's also one of the most unequal. The city has now become the country's gang capital with more than a hundred gangs fighting for control of the lucrative drugs trade. We hear from a local journalist who grew up near one of the most volatile communities in the country, Hanover Park. Also, why the UNESCO protected town of Djenne in Mali is becoming a burden for locals.And the African diaspora community wanting to lay claim to a tiny piece of land, tucked betweeen Sudan and Egypt.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Amie Liebowitz, Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London, with Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
-
How different will the Rwanda-DRC peace deal be?
20/06/2025 Duración: 28minThere is a glimmer of hope that three decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo could end after the government agreed a draft peace deal with Rwanda, a country accused of funding the M23, a group that has taken over some significant towns in the east of DRC. Representatives of the two countries will formally sign the agreement next week. But will this deal brokered by the United States work where others have failed?Also, Egypt scrambles for gas supplies after Israel's oil refineries are struck by Iranian strikes and we examine whether other countries in Africa have been affected too.And a bra-scandal: why female staff members at a university in Nigeria were touching the breasts of students before allowing them to take an exam.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi