Focus on Africa

Could Africa's leaders be too old to lead the world's youngest population? The continent's newest democratically elected president Liberia's Joseph Boakai is 79We meet Ghanaian Lesley Lokko the first African woman to win the prestigious gold medal for services to architecture.And learn about British-Nigerian rapper Skepta's directorial debut with the short film Tribal Mark.Audio for this episode was updated on 24th January 2024.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting four countries in Africa. What does the US want from its relationship with the continent and who benefits? Also will raising the age of consent in Zimbabwe reduce sexual abuse? And with Afcon in full swing, we look at the health of African footballers.

Joseph Boakai has started a six-year term as president of Liberia. He is the third democratically elected head of state. Tackling corruption and the economy are expected to be his immediate challenges.What's behind the sewage polluted beaches along the Durban coastline in South Africa?And the Somali songs inciting hatred against Ethiopians

Violent crime is soaring in South Africa, with the murder rate at a 20-year high. Getting away with murder has become normal. What's going on?Also how did Tanzania come to be ranked as the least indebted country in Africa? What did they do differently?And why have authorities in Nigeria warned against using the pidgin English term, “No gree for anybody”? It's triggered an online debate!

A Sierra Leone high court has allowed ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, charged with treason, to travel abroad on medical grounds. Mr. Koroma was charged for his alleged role in a failed military coup in November.The Non-Aligned Movement summit is currently underway in Uganda. Is it still relevant?And the 'Cranky uncle ' game now tackling vaccine hesitancy in Africa.

Kalkidan Yibeltal, a BBC reporter, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia, where starvation has affected over 200 lives due to conflict and drought. Kabir Adamo, a security analyst, highlights Nigeria's alarming rise in kidnappings for ransom, emphasizing the role of crowdfunding as a desperate solution. Jumoke Fashola, a documentary maker, explores the multifaceted identity of Black African Britons, shedding light on their influential contributions to UK society and the broader themes of belonging and culture.

Zambia is battling one of its worst cholera outbreaks in recent years. More than 300 people have died and nearly 6,000 active cases have been registered.Why did Nigeria’s Central Bank dissolve boards of three lenders?And the young Ghanaian entrepreneur using solar technology to help farmers protect their produce from wastage

Burundi has closed its borders with Rwanda after accusing its neighbour of funding rebel attacks. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies the charge, but Burundi's government has branded him a "bad neighbour". Can the two neigbours overcome their differences?Also a report on migrant workers facing forced labour and exploitation in MauritiusAnd a doctor from Sierra Leone tells us how his country and developing countries can hold onto their health care workers.

Cape Verde becomes the first sub-Saharan country to get rid of the deadly malaria disease in 50 yearsWhy is South Africa aiming to legislate for proper labelling of foodstuffs? And the anticipation and excitement of the African Cup of Nations which kicks off in Ivory Coast this weekend !

Voters in Comoros head to the polls on Sunday to elect the next president. The incumbent Azali Assoumani is seeking a fourth term, but who are his main challengers? The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, this Sunday, but next time hosts Kenya did not qualify for this year’s tournament. Former Kenyan international Musa Otieno says the game’s infrastructure in the country needs to improve. And Knives down, Gloves up, we hear from a young man with Ivorian and Guinean heritage, on the connection between good mental health and sport and why he established a boxing club after a lifechanging act of violence.