

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

Jul 16, 2025 • 35min
Kenyan protests: Impact on mental health
Gen 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.

Jul 15, 2025 • 29min
US deportees causing concern in South Sudan
Residents 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

Jul 14, 2025 • 31min
Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari dead
Former 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

Jul 11, 2025 • 35min
DRC: Inside a mine controlled by M23
A 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

Jul 10, 2025 • 32min
US slaps 30% tariff on South Africa
US 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

Jul 9, 2025 • 28min
Ghanaians lured into football job scam
Ghanaian 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

Jul 8, 2025 • 29min
First malaria drug for infants approved
The 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.

Jul 7, 2025 • 32min
How is Kenya marking the Saba Saba protests?
Two 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

Jul 4, 2025 • 35min
Nigeria's new opposition alliance to challenge Tinubu
Starting 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

Jul 3, 2025 • 31min
Militant attacks increase in Mali
Jihadist 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


