

Focus on Africa
BBC World Service
Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 32min
Dubai: BBC investigates deaths of Ugandan women
A Ugandan woman, Monic Karungi, known online as Mona Kizz, tragically fell to her death from a Dubai high-rise in 2022. Within hours her name was trending. A grainy video of a woman jumping from a building began circulating, with social media users claiming it was of Monic and that she’d taken her life after a “porta potty” video of her was leaked. We hear from BBC Eye’s Runako Celina, who spent two years trying to find answers as to why and how Monic and another Ugandan woman by the name of Kayla both died under similar, tragic circumstances. Also, what's the state of press freedom in Africa, as it declines sharply around the world?And how two sworn enemies came together to promote peace in NigeriaPresenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Madina Maishanu, Sunita Nahar and Mark Wilberforce
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard, Maryam Abdalla and Alice Muthengi

Sep 11, 2025 • 35min
Steve Biko inquest reopens in South Africa
South Africa is to reopen an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid figure Steve Biko, who died in police custody. It will officially be registered in court on the anniversary of Biko's death, the 12th of September, almost 50 years ago. We hear reaction from Biko's friend and fellow anti- apartheid campaigner, Saths Cooper. We also remember the legacy Steve Biko left behind.Also, are Islamist militants targeting civilians in Niger?And we meet the Nigerian poet who is the UN's first Global Advocate for Peace.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya and Patricia Whitehorne in London.
Technical Producer: Pat Sissons
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Sep 10, 2025 • 30min
Africa's climate summit: what viable solutions?
Will the second Africa climate summit produce tangible solutions to fight for climate justice?Police abuse is widespread in Kenya a new study finds. Rights groups warn the findings expose systemic failures that have left many Kenyans vulnerable to police harassment and violence.And how did Botswana become a leader in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV?Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Ayuba Iliya in Lagos. Priya Sippy, Stefania Okereke, and Yvette Twagiramariya in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Pat Sissons
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Sep 8, 2025 • 30min
DR Congo declares new Ebola outbreak
A new Ebola outbreak declared in the DR Congo. An emergency response has been launched Over 10 opposition parties form coalition ahead of Ethiopia's next pollsAnd we experience a ride on one of Tanzania's locally manufactured planesPresenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke and Priya Sippy in London. Makuochi Okafor in Lagos with Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Somali fighters in Kenya spark fears
Why are fighters from Somalia's Jubaland region crossing the border into Kenya. Their presence is - causing fear and uncertainty
Burkina Faso's unelected transitional parliament bans homosexual acts
Plus how experts in Africa are tryings to close the AI language gap
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Priya Sippy, Alfonso Daniels, Sunita Nahar, Mark Wilberforce, and Nyasha Michelle in London. Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard, and Alice Muthengi

Sep 2, 2025 • 30min
Barrier built around Sudan’s el-Fasher city
An extensive earthen wall is being built around the besieged Sudanese city of el-Fasher. Researchers from Yale University say it is intended to trap people inside.Why is there a rapidly growing demand for solar panels in Africa?And we meet Iris- the teaching robot in South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi, Mark Wilberforce, Yvette Twagiramariya and Sunita Nahar in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Sep 1, 2025 • 32min
South Africa building fire: What happened to survivors?
Mayeni Jones, a BBC correspondent in Johannesburg, and Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading, dive deep into the aftermath of a tragic building fire in Johannesburg. They discuss the ongoing struggles faced by survivors, highlighting the urgent need for improved housing conditions. The duo also explores how climate change is increasing flight turbulence, raising questions about air travel safety. Additionally, they compare divorce laws in Uganda and South Africa, debating the implications of no-fault vs. fault-based divorces.

Aug 29, 2025 • 31min
Why has Nigeria banned export of shea nuts?
Nigeria has banned for six months exports of shea nuts used for beauty products to help boost the local economyMore about Malawi's health boat that provides a lifeline for locals on a remote islandAnd we find out why African made prom dresses are a hit among American teenagersPresenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Makuochi Okafor and Ayuba Iliya in Lagos. Alfonso Daniels, Stefania Okereke and Yvette Twagriyamariya in London and Madina Maishanu in Abuja.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Aug 28, 2025 • 28min
Mauritania accused of widespread abuses against migrants
A new Human Rights Watch report says the EU's and Spain’s outsourcing of migration control to Mauritania has worsened abuses against asylum seekers and migrants heading for Europe, but the Mauritanian authorities reject those claims. Why are cybercrimes on the rise in Africa and how can you stay safe?And we find out why the population of one of Kenya's iconic tourist attractions - flamingos - has fallen sharply.Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Sunita Nahar, Mark Wilberforce and Priya Sippy in London
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Aug 27, 2025 • 34min
Why has Botswana declared a national health emergency?
Botswana's president Duma Boko, has declared a public health emergency as the country faces a shortage of essential medicines and medical equipment.Africa's defence chiefs discuss collective strategies and joint responses to insecurity in the continent. And why is the northern Nigerian state of Kano losing its famous yellow buses?Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Priya Sippy and Stefania Okereke in London with Ayuba Iliya in Lagos
Technical producer: Jonathan Greer
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Maryam Abdallah, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi


