Focus on Africa

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

Nenna Ifania Jufo, law and tech professor and AU cybersecurity expert, offers legal critique of Gabon's social media blackout and its rights implications. Mialitiana Clerc, Madagascar’s trailblazing Olympic skier, recalls training in France and choosing to represent Madagascar. They discuss shutdown workarounds, legal alternatives, athletes training abroad and barriers to African winter sports.

Anonymous Kenyan returnee, a former athlete who says he was lured to Russia with a sports contract and coerced into fighting in Ukraine. He recounts signing documents he could not read, brutal training, frontline injuries and racial abuse. He describes his escape back to Kenya and urgent need for medical and psychological support.

Ndaba Mandela, Mandela Institute chair and grandson of Nelson Mandela, urges youth leadership and resource control. Joel Kiriungi, BBC journalist, steers the conversation on leadership and gender-based violence. Abayomi Adisa, BBC Nigeria reporter, explains the stormy Senate debate over electronic versus manual vote transmission. Short, punchy scenes cover public anger, parliamentary chaos and calls for youth-driven change.

Hafsat Abdullahi (Javi), a Nigerian spoken-word poet known for viral piece 'The Girl in English Class', discusses oral tradition and youth expression. Boris Sotal, Dakar-based journalist, reports from Cheikh Anta Diop University on students protesting unpaid stipends, campus tensions, a tragic death, and links to national debt and budget cuts. Short, sharp conversations on activism, culture and economic pressure.

Mutisunge Zulu, a Zambian economic analyst, outlines Zambia's inflation drop, copper's role, and debt-restructuring lessons. Daniel Dazier, a BBC reporter, shares on-the-ground AU Summit reporting and UN Women’s call for a ceasefire in Sudan, focusing on displacement and sexual violence. They discuss AU effectiveness, resource priorities, and everyday impacts in Zambia.

Moses Crispus Okelo, senior researcher on Horn of Africa security, gives expert analysis on regional dynamics. He discusses Reuters’ findings about a suspected RSF training camp in western Ethiopia. He outlines roles played by Chad, Egypt and others, and the risks of the Sudan war spilling across borders. The conversation also touches on mediation efforts and humanitarian fallout.

Nana Habari Nyako, a Kenyan YouTuber who faced ghosting and exploitation on apps. Emeka Obwabo, a Nigerian who found his wife online and moved countries. Amaka Obwabo, a Nigerian who met her husband on an app and built a lasting relationship. They discuss app success and heartbreak. Conversations cover safety, verification, family reactions, burnout, and whether apps are worth trying.

Authorities in Senegal are investigating a transnational network of criminals accused of committing henious crimes against children. The police in the west African country say that the network was operating in coordination with a French national who was arrested in France in April last year. The suspects are accused of paedophilia, pimping, rape of minors under 15, sodomy and intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS.   And we speak with a founder and director of Kabusa Oriental Choir from Nigeria about their 'Valentine is coming' viral hit song.     Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Charles Gitonga, seasoned journalist and interviewer, speaks with Lieutenant General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of US Africa Command, about rising ISIS activity and recruitment across Africa. They discuss increasing US military cooperation with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and Mali. The conversation also covers airstrikes, partner training, runway investments and concerns about regional militant links.