Focus on Africa

Focus on Africa

Author: BBC World Service Language: English Episodes: 922
Each weekday, as the afternoon draws to a close, Focus on Africa provides a thoughtful and necessary pause to understand the continent's dynamic pulse. Produced by the BBC World Service, this daily podcast goes beyond headlines, unpacking two essential stories with depth and context. The reporting doesn't just explain the major events shaping nations and communities; it deliberately highlights the individuals living through these changes, ensuring the human dimension of every story is heard. Furthermore, the program offers a vital African perspective on worldwide events, examining how global developments resonate locally. Under the steady guidance of host Nkechi Ogbonna, listeners are offered clarity and insight, making complex issues accessible. This reliable briefing is crafted to fit into your routine, arriving before the evening with the authority and nuance you expect. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a nuanced portrait of a continent, its people, and its place in the world, all delivered with journalistic rigor five days a week.
Episodes
Can Johannesburg reclaim 'hijacked' buildings? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
The South African city of Johannesburg has well over 100 abandoned and derelict buildings plagued by rubbish and open sewage and some have been taken over by criminal gangs. Many are also home to some of the city's most…
What will COP30 change for Africa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
What can Africa expect from the COP 30 climate conference? Sudan's paramilitary RSF agrees to a humanitarian ceasefire, but the government wants guarantees from the international community And why are marginalised cultur…
Nigeria pushes back on 'Christian genocide' claims [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
Nigeria rejects claims of a “Christian genocide,” saying violence stems from terrorism and land disputes, not religion, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered attacks. Some Christian leaders however say there…
Nigeria : Was there an alleged coup plot? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
The arrest of senior Nigerian military officers and the sacking of security officials fuels speculation of an alleged coupUgandan born Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral electionPlus the AI aunty helping to fight…
After the oath, can Tanzania heal its divisions? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in after the deadly protests that followed her election victory. Can she use her second term to unite the country? At least 40 people have died in multiple landslid…
South Africa’s expropriation test case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:02
South Africa's municipality of Ekurhuleni's attempt to expropriate land without compensation is under mediation after the private owners of the land sought compensation. The outcome of this landmark case will shape the f…
Women in Kenya are facing increasing online abuse, says new report [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
New research reveals how digital platforms are being weaponised to abuse and exploit women in Kenya. We hear from a victim of online sexual abuse who gives a harrowing account of her experience, and also speak to a Digit…
The Gambia: Can ex-President Jammeh return home? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:29
Why has the Gambian government issued a strong warning to ex -President Yahya Jammeh following his announcing plans to return from 9 years in exile?. Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso removed from a glo…
Kenyan authorities seize a tonne of methamphetamine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:05
Authorities in Kenya intercept more than a tonne of methamphetamine in the Indian Ocean as part of the country's ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking and addiction Thousands of Tunisians protest in the southern ci…
Will el-Fasher's fall change Sudan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
As the strategic city of el-Fasher finally falls to the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, we analyse what it means in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. How the world’s oldest president, Paul Biya of Cameroon, is set to c…