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
Are beauty products serving black women? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Africa’s beauty and personal care industry is growing, as more people look to achieve glowing skin and the perfect make up look. But many products on the market still do not cater to black skin. Last year, a study by US-…
Guinea-Bissau suspends US-backed hepatitis vaccine trial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
The military government in Guinea-Bissau has suspended a scientific trial for the hepatitis B vaccine administered to newborns. The trial is funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the tune of $1.6…
Kenya, Botswana efforts against cervical cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
January is marked worldwide as cervical cancer awareness month. According to the World Health Organisation, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it kills over 350,000 women globally every y…
Egypt, Morocco join Trump's Board of Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Morocco and Egypt are the only African nations in President Trump's Board of Peace. The body was initially meant to help implement a ceasefire in Gaza, but Trump says it could serve a wider role in ending global conflict…
Ghana cocoa farmers decry delayed payments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Cocoa farmers in Ghana are disgruntled over delayed payments from the state regulator - COCOBOD. The farmers say the delay is endangering investments for the next farming season. Ghana, which is the world's second larges…
Are more women delaying motherhood? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
Around the world, more women are choosing to delay motherhood. In countries like Italy, Spain and South Korea, the average age of first-time mothers has risen to around 32. While many African countries still have some of…
Jihadist attacks on the rise in the Sahel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A recent attack in Niger's south-western Tillaberi region led to the deaths of 31 civilians. It adds to a trend of deadly assaults by jihadist militants in the tri border area of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. According t…
Who is "in charge" of Africa's AI? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A new report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change says that most countries, including those in Africa, will find it difficult to have full autonomy over AI systems. According to the Institute, only 32 countries…
Global Initiative flags West Africa for cocaine trade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A recent report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime reveals that a third of cocaine consumed in Europe is transported via West Africa. Since 2019, the region has become a key global hub for coc…
AFCON's Over - what’s the main takeaway? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
In this episode, we look back at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Senegal edged hosts Morocco in extra-time in a dramatic final. We explore the key moments and what they reveal about African football’s future.We also inv…