Focus on Africa

Wendile Sitlobo, chief economist at AgriBees, explains where the foot-and-mouth outbreak is concentrated and its economic fallout for dairy and meat markets. Zainab Dury, anthropologist and textile expert, traces the kaftan’s history, Moroccan craftsmanship and the politics around UNESCO recognition. They discuss spread, containment, vaccination plans and heritage claims in concise, lively conversations.

Ntungamili Hagan, a 17-year-old Botswanan who reached the junior Australian Open last 16, shares his rise from his father’s tennis school. Pauline Bax, economist and Africa deputy programme director at the International Crisis Group, explains AGOA’s duty-free access, who benefits, and why a one-year US renewal creates uncertainty for African exporters and investors.

Nelly Naisula Sironka, a 29-year-old Kenyan who chose to live child-free and had tubal ligation in 2024, shares her story. She talks about choosing permanence for bodily autonomy. She discusses dating as a child-free person, family reactions, medical considerations and social pushback. The conversation explores personal freedom and what child-free life looks like in contemporary Africa.

Chiamaka Dike, field reporter who covered Makoko demolitions, describes floating homes, displacement and disputed safety claims. Umaru Fofana, journalist covering Sierra Leone's war legacy, explains the new national remembrance and the president's apology. They discuss large-scale demolitions, disrupted livelihoods, delayed accountability and the politics of memory.

A vessel carrying Russian oil suffered an explosion off the coast of Senegal last December, prompting investigations into the presence of a Russian shadow fleet in African waters. The tanker is reportedly among several vessels trying to flout US, EU and UK sanctions on Russia.And - even though the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is over, several incidents from the tournament hosted by Morocco have raised questions about African identity.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Basma El Atti and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Kalkidan Yibelta, a BBC reporter who covered the Tigray war, discusses resumed flights, troop movements, drone strikes and contested Wolkait territory. Dr. Terry Smith, a helmet safety specialist, explains helmet certification, common rider mistakes and how to spot safer helmets. The conversation jumps between renewed regional tensions and rising motorcycle injury risks.

Peter Murimi, a BBC reporter who led the Africa Eye investigation, walks through harrowing accounts of abductions and alleged police abuse in Tanzania. Multiple survivors and medical records are described. The discussion also touches on how language evolves with West African words added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Africa’s beauty and personal care industry is growing, as more people look to achieve glowing skin and the perfect make up look. But many products on the market still do not cater to black skin. Last year, a study by US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that over 3000 beauty products targeting black women contain health hazards. Focus on Africa: The Conversation host, Nkechi Ogbonna spoke with Zithobe Macheli, a skincare influencer from South Africa and Jessica Molefe, a make-up artist from Botswana to get their thoughts on this growing industry. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Ricky Stein, former manager and close friend of Fela Kuti, reflects on Fela's activism and enduring Afrobeat legacy. Dr. Umar Mouhumza, medical doctor and vaccinology expert, analyzes the suspended newborn hepatitis B vaccine trial, covering ethics, trial design, and public health implications. Short, engaging conversations explore trust, timing of doses, and the cultural significance of a Grammy Lifetime Award for Fela.

Maduke Kula, Botswana’s Chief Medical Officer who led national cervical cancer prevention efforts, and Sharon Fakwa, a Nigerian wedding planner experienced in budgeting. They discuss Botswana’s prevention-focused strategies and screening approaches. They also cover why Nigerian wedding costs have surged and practical ways couples trim budgets without losing meaning.