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
African domestic workers stranded in Lebanon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
The Israeli military has carried out waves of airstrikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, after Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah launched about 200 rockets into northern Israel. At least 687 people, includi…
Senegal doubles penalty for same-sex relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
During a parliamentary session, legislators in Senegal voted on a bill that was introduced last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, doubling the penalty for same sex relationships that are already a crime in the West…
Algeria revises law on French colonialism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
In this episode, we explore two important stories from Africa. First, Algeria’s parliament has passed a revised law criminalising French colonial rule. The amendments remove earlier demands for an official apology and re…
Africans caught up in Middle East war [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
In this episode, we look at the impact of the ongoing US–Israel war with Iran on neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. Africans in the region are caught in the crossfire, some have been evacuated by their governments, w…
Women’s Month: Leadership and Africa’s Economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the…
Afro-Iranian community grapples with new war [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
As the US and Israel continue to strike Iran and Lebanon, and Iran targets Tel Aviv and US assets across the Gulf, we look at how Iran's African community has been affected. We hear from Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, a film…
US‑Israel war with Iran hits oil in Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
As the US-Israel war with Iran escalates, its global effects are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in the petroleum products supply chain. The situation follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shi…
US sanctions Rwandan army [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
On this episode, we examine the future of the US-brokered peace deal after Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military officials over the eastern DR Congo conflict. Kigali calls the move is unfair a…
US health deal sparks debate in Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
At least 24 African countries have signed controversial bilateral health agreements with the United States under Donald Trump’s new aid strategy, while others, including Zimbabwe, have rejected it. Supporters say it give…
What's the Impact of US-Israel-Iran War on Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
As the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies, concerns grow over its effects on Africa, including the security and economic impacts. Thousands of Africans working or traveling in Gulf cities like Dubai, UAE, and Doha,…