Focus on Africa

Lavlet Sheme, a 29-year policy and political analyst based in Dar es Salaam, explores the pulse of Tanzanian youth as elections approach. She critiques the lack of genuine engagement on youth issues, noting that celebrity endorsements dominate while pressing concerns like unemployment and education remain unaddressed. Lavlet highlights the need for inclusive representation and calls for policies that resonate with young voters. As tensions rise in the political landscape, her insights reveal the urgency for meaningful change among Tanzania's youth.

Samia Nkrumah, former Ghanaian MP and daughter of Kwame Nkrumah, shares insights on her father's pivotal role in the 1945 Fifth Pan-African Congress. Ntombi Zodwa Nyoni discusses her play, *Liberation*, inspired by the Congress and its continued relevance. Alfred Lustek highlights the alarming rise in violence against people with albinism in Tanzania during elections, revealing the horrific beliefs behind these attacks. Finally, Paul sheds light on the challenges faced by women miners in Cameroon, showcasing their resilience amidst hazardous conditions.

A BBC investigation uncovers dozens of social accounts using stolen identities of Somali and Muslim influencers and posting political propaganda content. We hear more about what was uncovered and who might be behind this widespread operation.Chad’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a controversial constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits. What will this mean for 41-year-old President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s hold on power?And why the Kenyan Catholic Church took the decision to introduce a new brand of altar wine.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Elphas Lagat Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga

Khaloud Heer, Director of Confluence Advisory and Sudan expert, discusses the impact of recent drone strikes on Khartoum International Airport, analyzing the RSF’s tactics and the absence of air defenses. Ijeoma Ndukwe, a BBC correspondent, shares insights from Maiduguri, revealing ongoing challenges with Boko Haram, targeting of farmers, and limited military solutions. Bram Postumus, a journalist in Abidjan, explores the controversial atmosphere surrounding President Ouattara's fourth-term bid amidst political tensions and youth disillusionment.

Dr. Daniela Mano, a clinical epidemiologist who led an Ebola vaccine trial in DRC, discusses the complexities of declaring the outbreak over and highlights advances in vaccination and outbreak response. Abdul Rahman Syed, a Horn of Africa analyst, delves into the historical tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, examining regional influences and potential conflicts. Meanwhile, Ella Mercy Diaburu Ojo shares her innovative hydroponic methods for developing virus-free seeds, transforming yam and cassava farming in Africa to increase resilience and encourage investment.

Can Madagascar's new president, Col Randrianirina, deliver change demanded by Gen Z Mada?Are West Africa’s illicit economies fueling the region’s wars and causing instability ?And a look at plans by the WHO to integrate traditional and modern medicine.Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke and Saleck Zeid in London.Senior Producer: Paul BakibingaTechnical Producer: Frank McWeenyEditors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Kenya's opposition leader, and former prime minister, Raila Odinga, has died suddenly at the age of eighty. We explore his legacy in Kenya and the rest of Africa.The world's largest producer of cobalt is the Democratic Republic of Congo. It replaces the ban with quotas but what does that mean for the DRC economy and its local mining communities?And did you know that young women can get perimenopause. We ask what it is?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu pardons many individuals-some posthumously. How were the decisions arrived at?   Why are marriages and births declining in Tunisia?   And are journalists in Tanzania exercising a lot of caution ahead of the general elections?   Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers:  Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne  and Bella Hassan in London. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests. Where did it all go wrong for the entrepreneur and former DJ, who first became president in 2009 when he was just 34.Being a park ranger in Africa can be one of the most dangerous professions in the world. We hear from a ranger at Zambia's South Luangwa National Park who, with a group of others, has picked up an international award for his work.And Ghana’s iconic kente cloth has been officially recognised and granted protected status as a national heritage fabric.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Alfonso Daniels and Ryan Johnson Technical Producers: Chris Kouzaris and Sarah Kimberley Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Cape Verde have become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup-how did they do it? What was Egypt's role in mediating the deal to end the Gaza war?And how did The UAE became one of the biggest state investors in Africa?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya in London Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi