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
Who is Malawi's old next President? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:47
Malawi re-elects former President Peter Mutharika. At 85. How did he beat other contenders?What's life like in Bunagana town along Uganda's recently reopened border with rebel held eastern DR CongoNigerian women push for…
A landmark deal for HIV jab [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:52
A new HIV prevention drug will be made available at a lower cost in over 100 low-income countries within two years, including across Africa. It's a move expected to give millions access to the breakthrough treatment and…
The two African countries which don’t recognise Palestine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
UNGA: More than 150 member states recognise the State of Palestine-Cameroon and Eritrea will not.South Africa's police discover illicit drugs worth $20 million on a farm.Plus, we discover the nutritional benefits of eati…
US deportees to sue Ghana's government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:56
A group of deportees from the US have sued the Ghanaian government, alleging they've been detained illegally. We talk to the lawyer representing these deportees and ask what legal framework underpins this US-Ghana deport…
Togo: Ex Defence Minister arrested [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:38
Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbe’s sister-in-law, who’s also the ex Defence Minister, has been arrested after calling for end to family rule.How aid cuts and crocodile attacks are contributing to malnutrition in…
Guinea: Why the constitutional referendum matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Guineans will vote in a referendum on a new constitution on Sunday, that would permit junta leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president, despite his promise not to do so when he seized power four years ago. Political an…
UN accuses South Sudanese leaders of  'systematic looting' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
South Sudan: UN report accuses leaders of "systematic looting" The government denies the allegationsWhy was the Gambia’s auditor general forcibly removed by police from office? Plus, why domestic worker jobs are on the d…
Mali: Fuel tankers set ablaze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
Several fuel tankers were destroyed in Mali after al Qaeda-linked insurgents, who had declared a blockade on fuel imports to the country, attacked a convoy of more than 100 vehicles. That's according to local reports. A…
Are treason charges being weaponized in Africa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:17
Why is the treason charge being used against several key opposition figures in some African countries ?We meet Elsa Owusu-Sarpong - aka Bikergirl El’- the tireless road safety campaigner from Ghana. What's the sad tale b…
Dubai: BBC investigates deaths of Ugandan women [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:28
A Ugandan woman, Monic Karungi, known online as Mona Kizz, tragically fell to her death from a Dubai high-rise in 2022. Within hours her name was trending. A grainy video of a woman jumping from a building began circulat…