Focus on Africa

BBC World Service
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Feb 7, 2024 • 32min

Indaba: Is Africa benefitting from its mineral wealth?

The African Mining Indaba 2024 on how to invest in the African mining sector, is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.  Who benefits the most from the continent's expansive mining industry and is investment in mineral processing in the continent on course? There is an increase of cases of Dementia in Africa.  According to one recent report, dementia will affect over three million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.  Countries in the region have the fastest growing older population in the world.  Is the continent equipped to deal with the rise in numbers? And we probe the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa as they argue over who is better at entertainment..and football!
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Feb 6, 2024 • 30min

Why are Senegal’s delayed elections controversial?

Senegelese President Mackay Sall, shocked the country over the weekend by announcing that the upcoming February 26th election would be delayed.  This led to protests and a vote by lawmakers, agreeing to extend the Presidents tenure and delay elections until December. Is this move lawful? Also, Botswana often tops the list as Africa's least corrupt country, so what is it doing differently?And how did former president Nelson Mandela’s personal belongings end up in an auction?
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Feb 5, 2024 • 27min

Nairobi County Governor vows to act following gas fire

After the huge gas explosion and fire that engulfed buildings and cars, killing at least six people and injuring scores of others, we hear from Nairobi County Governor Sakaja Johnson, on what action is being taken to investigate officials accused of being "incompetent and corrupt". Ethiopia is on the brink of famine triggered by war and drought warns a UK government minister. We hear more from the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent who has been visiting Ayder hospital in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region. And history making at the Grammys, as South African singer Tyla picks up the first ever award for best African performance.
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Feb 2, 2024 • 40min

Is Facebook losing its appeal in Africa?

As Facebook looks to celebrate its 20th birthday on Sunday, we look at its appeal on the continent. What do Africans think about the social media platform?Also Tunisia positions itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism And Ethiopia wants to ban fuel imported cars for personal use, replacing it with electric ones but, does it have the infrastructure to do this?
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Feb 1, 2024 • 32min

What is Tagadum and can it end war in Sudan ?

Political analyst Kholood Khair assesses Tagadum, a civilian initiative lead by former Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok seeking to bring the two fighting generals to the peace table.Should the rules to reducing carbon emissions, be different for African countries? And we reflect on the legacy of Ghanaian pioneer photographer Bruce Vanderpuije.
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Jan 31, 2024 • 33min

Why Italy is interested in Africa

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says, Italy wants a new partnership with Africa with the aim of boosting economic ties, creating an energy hub for Europe and curbing immigration. How much will this new vision benefit the continent? Also, why are so many women in Mozambique still dying from unsafe abortions despite the country's liberal abortion laws?And Banyana Banyana player Amanda Dlamini on what's like being the first female commentator at AFCON.
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Jan 30, 2024 • 26min

More than half a million people enter South Sudan to escape Sudan war

Over 500,000 people from Sudan are seeking refuge in South Sudan. Women in Kenya on why they’re rising their voice against femicideAnd hear Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa on his next political move.
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Jan 29, 2024 • 32min

Military led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have quit Ecowas, what effect will it have?

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit Ecowas , a Lagos resident recalls her harrowing experience of kidnapping and we meet from the youngest-ever female photographer at Afcon, who is capturing the game's beautiful moments.
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Jan 26, 2024 • 32min

Bobi Wine on what the nomination of a documentary about his life for an Oscar means

Musician turned politician Bobi Wine has received an Oscar nomination for a documentary on his political struggle in Uganda. Why does he continue despite the dangers, hardship and challenges? A surprising confession at an enquiry into a deadly fire in South Africa The latest from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as it enters the knockout stage
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Jan 25, 2024 • 29min

Why the Somali armed group Al Shabaab is still a threat

There's been heavy fighting between Somali forces and Al Shabaab fighters in the central region of Mudug. Last year ,the government said it had shifted its tactics against the militant group.  Are those tactics working?Also, what is the local response after Cameroon becomes the first country in the world to start routine vaccinations against malaria.  And Zambian poet, Vanessa Chisakula, on telling stories through performance poetry.

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