Focus on Africa

As the year draws to a close, this episode looks ahead to some of the stories and events that could likely shape 2026. We ask which warning signs are already flashing, and what might still catch the world off guard. We also examine new research suggesting AI chatbots may carry built-in bias against Africa, raising fresh questions about technology, power and representation.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

There were celebrations on the streets of breakaway region Somaliland after Israel became the first country to formally recognise it as an independent state. Leaders in the self-declared republic hailed the move as historic, saying it could open the door to wider international recognition after decades of diplomatic isolation.The announcement has also triggered a demonstration in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and condemnation from regional bodies including the African Union and the Arab League, who warn it could destabilise the region. Also in the episode: Sudan’s national football team competes in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite a devastating war at home.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

BBC reporters travel under tight security to villages near the site of Christmas Day airstrikes in north-west Nigeria, targeting camps linked to Lakurawa, a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State. Locals describe life under threat, with farmers accusing militants of seizing livestock, enforcing levies and embedding themselves in border communities where state presence is minimal.We also turn to AFCON 2025, where belief and football often collide. From pre-match rituals to deeply rooted ideas about luck and destiny, we explore how superstition continues to shape African football, with players reflecting on why these practices persist at the continent’s biggest tournaments.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nancy Umeh, a well-known Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur, shares her heartfelt journey of welcoming a child through surrogacy, navigating emotional challenges and societal stigma. Family lawyer Eliud Ngugi offers insight into the legal landscape of surrogacy in Africa, highlighting gaps in legislation and the need for protection for all parties involved. They discuss the complexities of surrogate agreements, the emotional toll of fertility struggles, and the importance of clear legal guidelines to safeguard rights and ensure ethical practices.

In this enlightening discussion, Gopolang Sihudi, a street-based recycler from Johannesburg, shares his poignant experiences of homelessness during the festive season. He reflects on what Christmas means when survival comes first. Meanwhile, journalist Ayuba Iliya captures the essence of changing Christmas food traditions in Nigeria, highlighting a food festival that seeks to revive beloved traditional dishes. The juxtaposition of Gopolang's realities and the vibrant culinary culture in Lagos paints a vivid picture of holiday contrasts.

Investigations continue following the death of 20-year-old Karen Lojore at Afrobeats artiste Asake's concert in Nairobi. Karen died following a crowd crush as fans tried to access the show. Concerns about safety and crowd control at large entertainment events have been raised. We hear from Karen’s aunt as the family prepares to lay her to rest, and from a Kenyan journalist who was inside the venue and describes the moments as the situation escalated.Then, we turn to West Africa’s end-of-year cultural phenomenon, Detty December. In Lagos and Accra, December is now synonymous with packed concerts and booming nightlife. But as the season grows more expensive, some locals are questioning who it’s really for. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria is facing renewed concern over mass kidnappings, after reports of another abduction involving dozens of people. This happened hours after 130 schoolchildren who were earlier abducted were returned to state authorities. Also Kenya’s marathon great Eliud Kipchoge speaks to the BBC about discipline and what continues to drive him after years at the top of his sport. Often described as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, he reflects on life beyond records and medals.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria is facing renewed concern over mass kidnappings, after reports of another abduction involving dozens of people. This happened hours after 130 schoolchildren who were earlier abducted were returned to state authorities. Also Kenya’s marathon great Eliud Kipchoge speaks to the BBC about discipline, motivation and what continues to drive him after years at the top of his sport. Often described as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, he reflects on pressure, purpose and life beyond records and medals.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

AFCON is back, and Morocco is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988. The tournament itself began with big news on a change in calendar. We tell you about it and take you to the heart of the action, exploring the atmosphere, ticketing and visa changes, and the teams to watch.You will also hear from Mahad Mohamud, an Uber driver deported from Minneapolis in the US to Somalia, who talks about militant threats to his life and the challenge of starting over. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Traveling within Africa on an African passport remains a challenge, according to the African Development Bank Group. Their research shows that Africans can travel without a visa for only 28% of intra-African trips, while 51% of Africans need a visa before crossing borders within the continent.In this episode, we speak to Ras Mubarak, a former Ghanaian MP, who is currently on an epic road trip across Africa. His mission? To highlight the difficulties of African visa systems and advocate for freer and faster movement across the continent.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla