Focus on Africa

In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the latest Middle East conflict on African economies and the shifting balance of global trade and Africa’s place in it.And, we also look at LGBTQ rights on the continent. In much of Africa, homosexuality remains criminalised in 33 out of 55 countries, according to the Institute for Security Studies. While South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, most African countries do not. In Botswana, two women are now challenging the government in court for the right to marry, despite same-sex relationships being decriminalised.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, filmmaker and founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, speaks about Afro-Iranian identity and storytelling. She shares experiences of surveillance, digital blackouts and the emotional toll of exile. The conversation highlights protests, marginalization and the struggle to keep voices heard under conflict.

Sarkodie, multi‑award‑winning Ghanaian rapper known for hip‑life and afrobeat, and Paul Aladje, chief economist with expertise in finance and energy markets, discuss how the Strait of Hormuz closure and oil disruptions ripple across African fuel supplies. They probe shipping risks, rising transport and household costs, and calls for regional self‑reliance and stronger economic leadership.

On this episode, we examine the future of the US-brokered peace deal after Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military officials over the eastern DR Congo conflict. Kigali calls the move is unfair and accuses the DRC of failing to meet its own commitments. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has opened its first unmanned police station in Addis Ababa, letting citizens report crimes digitally. The pilot is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to modernize public services, but is raising questions about adoption and data protection.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Keikantse Shumba, Daniel Dadzie and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Desta Lako, Group Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at Amref Health Africa, offers a short, sharp take on the US bilateral health agreements and their stakes for African health sovereignty. She discusses data sovereignty risks, how the new funding model differs from past aid, and why some countries accepted while others resisted. The conversation also touches on AI sign-language tech and hearing loss challenges in Africa.

Samuel Edujemfi, a Ghanaian political scientist who studies national memory, and Hassan Kanenje, a regional security analyst focused on the Horn, discuss how the US-Israel-Iran clash reverberates in Africa. They explore disruptions to African travellers in Gulf hubs. They examine risks to African economies, energy supplies, migration and regional security priorities. They also debate Ghana’s decision to rename Kotoka airport.

Around the world, one in six people will experience infertility in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organisation. In Africa, there is still a lot of stigma that surrounds infertility, but now, more people are starting to speak out about their struggles on social media. Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, sat down for a chat with Matshepo Segole, from Johannesburg, South Africa who has built a community on TikTok for women navigating infertility, and Jonathan Luwagga, who is British-Ugandan. He has been sharing his story on social media to encourage more men to speak out about this issue. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Joy Pumapi, Executive Director working on malaria prevention across Africa, highlights funding shortfalls and stalled progress. Federico Donnelli, international relations professor, analyzes Israel's renewed strategic engagement in the Horn and regional reactions. They discuss historic ties, security and trade interests, plus the potential regional risks from shifting alliances.

In this episode, we look at what the release of lawyer Ahmed Souab means for freedom of expression and the people of Tunisia. The Tunisian lawyer and critic of he current government, has been serving a five-year sentence after warning that judicial independence in Tunisia was collapsing. His detention sparked anger among political and civil groups who saw it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent.We also explore the myths, mysteries, and cultural significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria. After a six-year break, some 50,000 fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River, each determined to catch the biggest fish.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we examine how Spain’s plan to offer over 500,000 migrants legal status will affect African migrants in the country. Following an announcement by Spain's government, several in support of the proposal say it’s practical and crucial for Spain’s economy, while critics warn it could encourage irregular migration. We speak to a young Nigerian man in the queue for documentation. And we take a look at a recently released UNESCO report that shows Africa is giving the creative industries greater priority in comparison to other regions, with 62% of countries now including culture in development plans.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla