Focus on Africa

The Internationally acclaimed South African playwright, producer and composer Mbongeni Ngema has died in a car accident at the age of 68. He was best known for writing the award-winning musical Sarafina, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Miriam Makeba. It was nominated for both the Tony and Grammy Awards. We look back at the legacy of Mbongeni Ngema.Also, part two of the discussion on coups and democracies on the continent with the Director of the Africa Programme of the International Crisis Group, Murithi Mutiga.And in the run up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast early next year, is the set piece 'Club versus Country' still being debated?

The Nigerian government is providing free train rides and a 50% reduction in public bus fares over the festive period. So, what's been the reaction from Nigerians? Also with a series of coups and major civil unrests across Africa, we are asking if democratic gains made over the last few decades are being reversed.And a look back at the horrific fire that killed up to 80 people in Johannesburg last August.

Northern herders launch a deadly attack on farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria, leaving over 140 people dead and hundreds more injured. What's behind this cycle of violence?Also we follow the stories of migrants from North Africa, across the Mediterranean Sea, to Lampedusa, an island off the Italian Coast. It's one of the deadliest known crossings in the world. Not everyone makes it across safely. And we meet the award winning Ethiopian scientist, creating drought resistant and weed resistant African grains!

The price of chocolate has risen, that's as the cost of cocoa rises. After the Ivory Coast, Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa. We'll look at the importance of ethical cocoa production and ask if local farmers benefit or not?Also, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite in many parts of Africa, how can households make the most of the festive season, despite the squeeze on their budgets?And the Nigerian chef and world record breaker Hilda Baci, shares her Christmas day menu!

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, we look back at the week that's been and look ahead to the next few days. Has Sudan's conflict been forgotten and what next for the Sudanese people? Also we remember Shakahola. The Kenyan cult that made headlines around the world. And why is the pan African e-commerce company Jumia, exiting the continent?

How are Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea affecting Africa?Kenya and the EU sign an historic economic partnership agreement to boost trade. Will the East African region benefit?Will a new sickle cell treatment approved in the UK and US give hope for patients in Africa?

Vote counting in Chad is still underway after polls closed on Sunday in what was seen as a controversial referendum, on a new constitution. Provisional results are expected to be announced on the 24th of December, with the Supreme Court due to validate them four days later. So why was it seen as controversial? Also why females in Malawi are among the most vulnerable, after cyclone Freddy destroyed their farms. Mothers are turning to desperate measures to support their families.And we meet the director of Nigerian film 'Mami Wata', which has been submitted for an Oscar nomination!

Guinea’s main oil terminal in the capital Conakry has exploded, killing 8, injuring dozens. What now for the country’s fuel security?Why is Ethiopia on the brink of a debt default ?And we meet a South African artist Odirile Khune Motsiri who specialises in used denim

Nearly 40 million voters go to the polls for the next presidential election on the 20th of December in the DR Congo. Incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi is seeking a second, and final, five-year term in office. Do these elections matter and what's at stake?Also what are SDRs and how does the International Monetary Fund allocate them? Are they distributed fairly or not?And what's life like for journalists in Mozambique, following the assassination of a prominent journalist in Maputo?

Uganda's Ministry of Internal Affairs says that at least 22 Ugandans are currently being held captive in Myanmar. The deputy national coordinator for trafficking in persons said they were originally destined for work in Thailand.Somalia secures $4.5 billion debt relief deal from international creditors Plus the recommendations from a Ghanaian study into financial literacy for professional footballers