Focus on Africa

Mozambique's opposition staged demonstrations nationwide to denounce fraud in local elections. The vote is seen as an indicator of what to expect in next year’s presidential election in the country that is rich in natural gas.   The history behind South Africa's complex and complicated relationship between Israel and Palestine   Plus, we meet the Ghanaian woman, Valarie Labi, who makes locally produced e-bikes to ease transport for women entrepreneurs in the north

Thousands of people in Ghana's Volta region have been displaced following spillage of excess water from some of the major dams amid heavy rains. It's the worst floods the region has seen in years. Also, Angolan TikTok influencer Neth Nahara, whose real name is Ana da Silva Miguel is in jail for "outrage" against Angola's president. Is this part of a wider crackdown on free speech on social media? And we'll meet Madagascan scientist, Lova marlin, whose curiosity and study of ancient plants is helping solve, very modern problems.

The United Nations says the human rights situation in Madagascar is “deteriorating” ahead of next month’s presidential election, as police put down opposition protests. The EU and the US have also voiced concern over the "disproportionate use of force" to disperse demonstrations. Who really benefits from the buying and selling of carbon credits?And Nollywood screen legend Richard Mofe-Damijo talks to us about his latest streaming hit The Black Book.

Burkina Faso's military leaders have signed a deal with Russia to build a nuclear power plant, with the hope of increasing its electricity supplies. Burkina Faso is one of the least electrified countries globally, with only 21% of people connected to power. Our West Africa Correspondent Mayeni Jones talks us through the advantages and disadvantages of a nuclear power plant in the Sahel.Also there's a rise in child labour across the globe, that's the warning from the International Labour Organization. More than half of all child labourers are found across Africa. We hear from the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo.And what to do with an old pair of sneakers? How one young South African, Sibusiso Zulu, is already helping to change the world after asking that very question.

The Bretton wood institutions are meeting in Morocco this year. It's the first such summit on African soil in 50 years. Does this meeting signal a renewed approach to how it works with and supports African economic growth?Also did you know, eggs are currently South Africa's hottest commodity? The country has been grappling with one of its worst outbreaks of bird flu which has resulted in the culling of millions of chickens and supermarkets, running out of eggs. We'll hear more about the impact it's having.And there's a treat in store as we bring you all the latest from the star studded draw on AFCON 2023, from Abidjan in Ivory Coast.

Liberians voted in elections on Tuesday, with President George Weah seeking a second term. Observers said polling was peaceful, despite some violence during the campaign. Mr Weah is the favourite to win, with former Vice-President Joseph Boakai considered his main challenger. Did the president deliver in his first term?Are reparations the best way of rectifying the injustices of the past? After Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo calls for Western countries which profited from the transatlantic slave trade to pay reparations to African countries, we hear from an opponent of the proposal.And South Africa's latest census reveals the population rose by over 10 million, to 62 million people, in just over a decade. But how significant is this data?

What is Egypt's reaction to the war between Israel and Hamas? Israel has continued to heavily bomb the Gaza strip since the attack. Egypt shares a border with Gaza. We find out more about the shared border and get analysis into Egypt's relationship with both the Palestinians and Israelis. Also thousands of tonnes of much needed food aid is stuck on the border between Benin and Niger, unable to get into Niger. We'll hear how it's adding to the country's food insecurity.And we'll find out more about the African political prisoners sent to Australia during British colonial rule. Who exactly were they and why were they "excluded" from History?

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has accused the government of restricting the democratic and civil space in the country. The claim comes ahead of an exercise to draft a new constitution, ahead of the country’s first election since achieving independence in 2011.   Plus, we hear from an African migrant caught up in the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas.   And on World Mental Health Day, Ghanaian Afrobeats sensation KiDi opens up on coping with the demands of life as a music star.

There is international concern and diplomatic pressure following the attacks and retaliation between Israel and Hamas. Hundreds of people have died, in both Israel and Palestine. We get analysis into how Africa is reacting.Also in Mauritius the courts have decriminalised same sex relations on the basis that the ban reflected colonial era values rather than indigenous ones. We'll hear from a LGBTQ+ campaigner.And we meet the South African teenager, Mika Abrahams, who is breaking records in the world of motor racing.

Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, becoming only the second African country to stage the event. Why did the country succeed with its bid, at the sixth attempt?What are Liberians prioritising ahead of  next week’s general election? The vote will be the fourth since the end of two successive civil wars which ravaged the country.Plus, we meet Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of afrobeats sensation Burna Boy. Known as Mama Burna, she tells us about her life and inspiration.