

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

Feb 14, 2025 • 34min
Why has Sierra Leone imposed a fishing ban?
A month-long fishing ban in Sierra Leone leaves families struggling to cope.Who are AfriForum- the white Afrikaner minority group that's behind Donald Trump's intimidation of South Africa?And we meet Nada Hafez -The Egyptian fencer whose Olympic pregnancy stunned the world.Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle, Frenny Jowi and Paul Bakibinga.
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Feb 13, 2025 • 33min
The case against Rwanda
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is holding a public hearing in Tanzania, on a case filed by DR Congo against Rwanda. The country accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, orchestrating violence, and destabilizing the DRC. Rwanda denies the accusations. How significant is this? Also, a look at the growing economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. What difference does it make to ordinary Zimbabweans?And why a separatist fighter in Cameroon handed over his weapons to become a teacher..Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Phillip Bull
Producers: Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 12, 2025 • 31min
Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in Nigeria?
Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in southern Nigeria?Why residents of Cape Town’s brightly coloured Bo-Kaap neighbourhood are concerned about tourism numbersAnd calls for AI to bridge the gender equality gap in AfricaPresenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Patricia Whitehorne and Nyasha Michelle in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 11, 2025 • 31min
DR Congo sentences over 100 to death
In January this year DR Congo's Justice Minister Constant Mutamba said 127 people, aged between the ages of 18 and 35, had received the death sentence. Rights groups said that number was higher. The DRC government had announced it would resume executions in 2024 following a two-decade hiatus. Who are these men and why have they been sentenced to death?Also, why are global powers interested in the Seychelles, the smallest country in Africa?And we hear why, it really does take a village to raise a child!Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 10, 2025 • 31min
Will DR Congo ceasefire calls be heeded ?
After a recent summit, leaders from east and southern Africa called for an immediate ceasefire to end the fighting in eastern DR Congo. Willing the warring parties listen?After a fire kills 16 children in Zamfara state, north western Nigeria, how can schools there be made safer?How will Sam Nujoma the first president of Namibia be remembered?Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Victor Sylver, Patricia Whitehorne, and Nyasha Michelle in London with Frenny Jowi in Nairobi.
Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 7, 2025 • 31min
South Africa's response to US threats
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to defuse a row with the new US administration over a new land law by speaking to Elon Musk. However, President Ramaphosa has said his country "will not be bullied". What's at stake for the country? Also why have Moroccans decided to call a general strike? It's the first one in almost a decadeAnd Rwanda faces allegations of sports washing, a claim the country denies. What's going on? Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Nysaha Michelle
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Feb 6, 2025 • 29min
Major data breach in Kenya
Kenya's Business Registration Service (BRS) reveals a major data breach has exposed sensitive information of numerous private companiesWill the killing of several key jihadist militants spell the end of IS in Somalia?And how will the late Aga Khan, leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims, be remembered?Presenter: Blessing AderogbaProducers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi with Bella Hassan and Amie Liebowitz in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer:
Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Feb 6, 2025 • 27min
Gabon's election: A fresh start?
Joseph Sigal, an expert in Gabonese politics, discusses the significance of Gabon's upcoming presidential elections following a military coup. He raises concerns about the legitimacy of elections under military oversight. Umaru Fufana, a Sierra Leonean journalist, reveals troubling connections between the president and drug trafficking, including a recent embassy scandal. Danielle Resnick sheds light on the new Sahel States passport, addressing its implications for trade and regional dynamics. This lively conversation tackles critical political and social issues shaping West Africa.

Feb 5, 2025 • 31min
Uganda: Military courts ruled 'unconstitutional'
Tegule Gawaya, a constitutional lawyer from Uganda, discusses the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that has deemed military courts unconstitutional, a move applauded by human rights groups for advancing fair trial rights. He also touches on the ongoing tension with President Museveni's administration regarding this decision. Marisa Lorenzo, a political analyst, delves into the new diamond deal between Botswana and De Beers, exploring its implications for the economy and employment, particularly for youth, amidst broader economic diversification efforts.

Feb 4, 2025 • 31min
Trump threatens South Africa funding cut
President Donald Trump has said he will cut all future funding to South Africa over allegations that it was confiscating land. South Africa's President Ramaphosa says that is not true.Concerns that the conflict in eastern DR Congo could spread deadly diseases.And what is are the reasons behind Namibia's high unemployment. Presenter: Blessing Aderogba
Producers: Frenny Jowi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi with Victor Sylver and Nyasha Michelle in London.
Senior Producer :Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi


