

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

Nov 2, 2023 • 30min
DR Congo conflict: How children are impacted
As the number of internally displaced persons rises to record levels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we look at the devastating impact the ongoing conflict is having on children.Also how does Africa benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), signed into law by the United States, 23 years ago? And we speak to one woman, Amira Adawe, who is determined to highlight the dangers of using skin lightening products.

Nov 1, 2023 • 31min
Facebook accused of stoking Ethiopia's conflict
Amnesty International has accused social media giant Facebook of contributing to human rights abuses against Tigrayans during the two-year war in Ethiopia.As Nigeria begins vaccinating girls to prevent cervical cancer, we look at the picture across Africa.And we look at how masquerade in Nigeria is both an art form and act of resistance.

Oct 31, 2023 • 31min
Kenya's plan for universal healthcare
We'll look at the Kenyan government's plan to provide universal healthcare for all its citizens. It's back on the agenda, so what will it entail? Also a Nigerian High Court rules against calling the Indigenous People of Biafra a terrorist organisation, saying it's unconstitutional.And we hear the remarkable story of a little known African anti-slave trade campaigner, Quobina Ottobah Kuguano.

Oct 30, 2023 • 31min
South Africa win Rugby World Cup
South Africa's men's rugby team made history by winning a fourth World Cup title. How did they achieve it, and what does it mean for the nation and the African continent?A BBC investigation reveals that some school teachers in Kenya are still administering corporal punishment, despite the practice having been banned more than 20 years ago.Plus, we meet the winners of the Mr. and Miss Albinism Southern Africa 2023 beauty pageant, who are drawing attention to problems faced by their community.

Oct 27, 2023 • 33min
Victory for Nigeria's president at supreme court
Bola Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria's president in May this year, after winning the country's most competitive election since the end of military rule in 1999. Defeated candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi challenged his victory in court, alleging the result was manipulated. On Thursday, Nigeria's Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the challenge. What does this mean for politics in Nigeria? Also as Turkey celebrates its 100th anniversary as a Republic, we look at the growing relationship between the country and Africa. What's Turkey's vision for the continent? And fans gear up ahead of the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, as South Africa's Springboks take on New Zealand's All Blacks!

Oct 26, 2023 • 32min
Is Niger being treated unfairly?
It's three months since the coup in Niger, when Mohamed Bazoum was forced from office. Sanctions have been imposed by ECOWAS and the AU. In an interview with the BBC, the prime minister of Niger’s ruling military junta, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine says, Niger is being treated unfairly. Also Sudan's warring parties resume talks in Saudi Arabia. Can they agree on a ceasefire? And we'll meet Ghanaian musician and Kologo player, Stevo Atambire.

Oct 25, 2023 • 26min
Zimbabwe faces another major cholera outbreak
Zimbabweans are facing another major cholera outbreak. Just over a hundred people have died with around five thousand infected. We look at the many challenges faced by the country as it tries to deal with the current situation.Also two young Tanzanians are still missing in Israel following the attack by the militant group Hamas almost three weeks ago. The father of one of them, 21 year old Joshua Loitu, has been speaking of his anguish in not knowing where his son is.And why is Ghana at risk of losing state properties in London?

Oct 24, 2023 • 30min
UAE firm to manage Tanzania’s main port
UAE firm DP World has signed a deal with Tanzania to manage two thirds of Dar-es-Salaam port for the next 30 years. The issue has provoked protests in Tanzania. The UAE is the fourth-largest investor in Africa, after China, Europe and the US. The opposition criticised the deal when details first emerged in July, saying it violated Tanzania's constitution.Will the war between Israel and Hamas affect relations between Israel and its newest African ally Morocco?And we meet the Kenyan designer from the slums who dressed Beyoncé and Bruno Mars.

Oct 23, 2023 • 23min
Sierra Leone opposition ends parliament boycott
Sierra Leone’s APC opposition party has ended its boycott of parliament. The action had begun after June's presidential election, which the party decried as fraudulent. The All People’s Congress has now agreed to take up its seats in parliament.We hear from a Nigerian pilgrim who escaped from Israel after the conflict there flared up earlier this month.Plus Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Mr Eazi talks to us about his latest collaborative offer.

Oct 20, 2023 • 30min
Has Africa gained from China's infrastructure plans?
As China marks the tenth anniversary of its Belt and Road initiative in Beijing, we look at benefits for African countries. What are the continent's losses and gains from working with China?Also Ethiopia's prime minister Abiy Ahmed has again said, his country needs its own seaport. Ethiopia is landlocked. So what would he need to do, to make that possible and at what cost?And how Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum went from running in borrowed shoes...to breaking world records.


