

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

Jun 11, 2024 • 28min
Why are two million children in northern Nigeria suffering from severe malnutrition?
Millions of children in northern Nigeria are without sufficient food, that's according to the aid agency, MSF. The persistent malnutrition crisis in the region, MSF says, stems from inflation, security issues and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. We'll hear from Dr Simba Tirima in Maiduguri.Also its almost 10 years since so-called Islamic State declared a caliphate. What's been their influence in Africa?And the growing interest of Formula 1 on the continent. Any chance of an African Grand Prix? Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson, Emmanuela Alausa and Yvette Twagiramariya
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jun 10, 2024 • 28min
How does a seat at UN Security Council benefit Somalia?
Somalia was recently elected by the United Nations General Assembly to be a member of the 15 member U.N.Security Council. This is for a two-year term starting next year. What does Somalia bring to the top table at the UN?Also, how huge quantities of gold are being smuggled out of AfricaAnd we meet the Ghanaian dance duo Afronita and Abigail who wowed a talent show in Britain.Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Ricardo McCarthy
Producers: Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson, Yvette Twagiramariya, Daniel Dadzie, Emmanuella Alausa and Nyasha Michelle
Senior Producers: Karnie Sharp and Paul Bakibinga
Editors : Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Jun 7, 2024 • 35min
One year anniversary of the Focus on Africa Podcast
The Focus on Africa Podcast turns 1. On this special edition, we look back at the year that's been. We re-visit kidnappings in Nigeria, we head back to the Seychelles where an opposition leader was accused of witchcraft and remember the challenges and opportunities of being a first-born daughter.Presenters: Richard Kagoe and Audrey Brown
Producers: Rob Wilson, Nyasha Michelle, Daniel Dadzie, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar, Lola Schroer, Amie Liebowitz, Nour Abida and Tom Kavanagh in London. Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Todah Opeyemi in Lagos
Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Jonny Hall
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Jun 6, 2024 • 31min
Njambi Koikai:Death of Kenyan endometriosis campaigner sheds light on painful condition.
Russia and Sudan have formally agreed to set up what they call " a logistical support point on the Red Sea". It will be Russia's first naval base in Africa. Why does Russia need a naval base close to the Red Sea?Also, a jail term for Senegalese citizens for criticising Prime Minister Sonko on gay rights. What's going on? And we'll find out more about what's it like living with endometriosis, after the popular Kenyan DJ Jahmby Koikai died from the disease. Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Joseph Keen
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jun 5, 2024 • 30min
What is Russia's Foreign Minister doing back in Africa?
Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov is back in Africa having visited the continent several times in the past couple of years. What is Russia looking for in these frequent visits to the continent? And can it help with Libya?Also, how internet scams in Nigeria are impacting the lives of teenagers in different parts of the worldAnd why Madagascans are unhappy about internet access in their country.Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Kaine Pieri and Joseph Keen
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jun 4, 2024 • 30min
How will Africa benefit from its relationship with South Korea?
The first-ever summit of African leaders and South Korea is underway in Seoul. South Korea has promised to boost development aid for Africa by up to $10 billion over the next six years. The country also aims to tap into Africa's rich mineral resources. How else can Africa benefit from this new forged relationship with South Korea? Also the UN warns that millions of people in Sudan are at risk of malnutrition and starvationAnd new initiatives on tackling bullying, are being discussed and planned in schools on the continent. Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Emmanuella Aluasa
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jun 3, 2024 • 31min
South Africa elections: The ANC loses its majority. What happens next?
Following last week's elections, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, has lost its majority. The ANC now needs a coalition partner to ally with. It's begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents, but who will it choose and why?Also Nigeria's public workers begin an indefinite nationwide strike following failed negotiations with the governmentAnd have you heard of 'adaptive' clothing? It's a new much needed fashion trend, helping people with disabilities to shop with ease.Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers; Rob Wilson, Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

May 31, 2024 • 30min
Will US sanctions on Ugandan officials also damage the country?
The United States has sanctioned Uganda’s parliament speaker, her husband and others over corruption and rights abuses, but will the imposed restrictions have a wider impact?After the mysterious disappearance of a Zambia parliamentarian who was later found, opposition politicians fear the country’s democracy is under threat.And why is there a power tussle between the Cameroon government and the national football federation over who should be head coach of the national team - the Indomitable Lions.

May 30, 2024 • 31min
Nigeria: One year into President Tinubu’s term in office, how has he fared?
It's one year since Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s President. Mr Tinubu assumed office during a time of unprecedented challenges for Africa’s most populous country. How are Nigerian's feeling about his promise of a "renewed hope"? Somalia is the only sub-Saharan country to carry out the death penalty, where according to Amnesty International executions are on the rise. What's the attitude towards the death penalty there?And Zimbabwe re-launches it's national youth programme, which aims at equipping young people with life skills. What do young Zimbabweans think? Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Joseph Keen, Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Patricia Whitehorne
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Phillip Bull
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

May 29, 2024 • 30min
Will Burkina Faso ever become democratic?
Burkina Faso's military junta has extended its rule for another five years, raising questions about the future of democracy in the region. Tension brews in Sierra Leone over a contentious Bar Association election, shadowed by allegations of political manipulation. Meanwhile, Generation Z in South Africa is shaking up workplaces, demanding impressive job titles and swift promotions, prompting a shift in employer strategies. These themes illuminate the complex interplay between governance, political stability, and the evolving job market in Africa.


