

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

May 1, 2024 • 31min
Why is there International concern about Al-Fashir in Sudan?
The U.S. has warned of a looming potential "large scale massacre" in Al-Fashir, a city in Sudan. The United Nations says it's also concerned about a possible imminent attack. What's going on? Also state TV in Mali says the senior IS commander, Abu Huzeifa, who had a 5 million dollar bounty on his head has been killed by troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Who was he and why is his death being seen as significant? And we meet the award winning Cameroonian conservationist saving manatees.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Victor Sylver, Rob Wilson, Patricia Whitehorne, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Apr 30, 2024 • 36min
Kenya Floods: Why wasn't Nairobi better prepared and will President Ruto declare a state of emergency?
More than 160 people are now known to have been killed by weeks of flooding in Kenya following torrential rain, that's according to officials. We'll hear from the Kenyan President, William Ruto.Also former UK diplomat, Tim Cole, says it's time to reset London's relationship with Africa. What would that new relationship look like? And we meet young Africans pushing the boundaries of representation in the gaming industry!Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorn, Nyasha Michelle and Rob Wilson
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Apr 29, 2024 • 37min
How do South Africans feel as they mark 30 years of democracy?
It is 30 years since South Africa held its first democratic elections. Three decades on, is it hope or gloom for the 'rainbow nation'?Also did a national emergency against sexual violence set up 5 years ago, make any difference in Sierra Leone?And we meet the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, using cloth to wrap up the brutalist Barbican centre in London and revealing a hidden history. Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Rob Wilson, Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Paul Bakibinga
Editors :Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Apr 26, 2024 • 31min
Alleged killings by Burkina Faso's military: What does the HRW report say?
More than 220 civilians, including at least 56 children, were massacred by Burkina Faso's military in a single day this year. That's the allegation by Human Rights Watch. So, how did HRW reach this conclusion and what's the response from the Burkina Faso government?Also why is the DR Congo warning big tech companies, like Apple, to not use minerals from the eastern part of the country? And we meet Nigerian Afrobeats artist, Ayra Starr!Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Charles Gitonga, Stefania Okereke and Bella Hassan
Technical Producer: Danny Cox
Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Apr 25, 2024 • 31min
Why has the World Bank suspended a Tanzania tourism project fund?
The World Bank has suspended a multi million dollar fund to expand Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, after it received allegations of serious abuse, which the Tanzanian government denies. We'll get the details. What is cloud seeding, how does it work and can drought stricken parts of Africa benefit from it or not? And a personal testimony from someone living with disability in a South Sudan refugee camp.

Apr 24, 2024 • 34min
Does Africa need a rethink on tackling violent extremisim?
African leaders meeting at a security summit in Nigeria says the continent needs a new plan to tackle violent extremism. The two-day counter-terrorism summit, supported by the United Nations, was also attended by African Union Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat What are the challenges facing the continent and how can it be tackled? Also why is so little money spent on healthcare in Africa? And a plan to save the South African rhino as poaching numbers rise.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Bella Hassan and Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

24 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 32min
What does the Rwanda Bill mean for Africa?
The UK parliament has passed the Rwanda asylum law. People arriving on small boats can have their asylum claims processed in Rwanda. When is this likely to take place and why is it of global significance?Why is Zimbabwe's newly introduced gold-backed currency already on the decline? And a strong caution about harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers:Richard Kagoe, Patricia Whitehorne, Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Apr 22, 2024 • 38min
What threat do autonomous weapons pose to West African countries?
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has urged regional leaders to forge common understanding and develop strategies to address the challenges posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems. What are autonomous weapons and what sort of threat do they pose to West African countries?Also how the remains of thousands of enslaved Africans on St Helena is reconnecting this island to the rest of the world.And the Nigerian artist causing outrage with his depictions of black people. What's behind his depiction and why is he doing it?Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Patricia Whitehorne
Technical Producer: Jonny Hall
Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Apr 19, 2024 • 28min
What's behind the recent clashes in Ethiopia?
There have been heavy clashes between Amhara and Tigray in Ethiopia over disputed territory, according to reports. What's going on and how will it impact the country?Also why did the popular Nigerian preacher, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, spread anti-vaccine messages to his followers? And as the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, can an African country host the games?Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Apr 18, 2024 • 27min
A multi-million dollar pledge for Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. Will it be enough?
The United Nations received financial pledges of just over six hundred million dollars to help with Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. It fell short of the one billion dollars the UN was seeking. Around 15 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in the country. Is the amount pledged enough and how will the funds be distributed?Also why is gambling on the rise on the continent, attracting young people? And why is South Africa installing the continent's biggest battery and how will it work?Presenter: Richard Kagoe
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi


