AFCON is back, and it's changing

AFCON is back, and it's changing

Author: BBC World Service December 22, 2025 Duration: 22:59

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


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 922

Focus on Africa
Podcast Episodes
South Africa awaits Ramaphosa future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:13
President Ramaphosa's presidency hangs in the balance following alleged misconduct in handling a theft at his farm; but what do South Africans think about this?Also, the Congolese Army has accused M23 rebels of killing a…
Embezzlement charges for ex-president's son in Mozambique [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
From Mozambique: The son of former president Armando Guebuza is on trial for embezzlement, money laundering and blackmail in the country's biggest financial scandal.We'll hear how an army base housing the Wagner Group's…
Ceasefire agreed in the DRC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:43
Leaders from the Great Lakes region agree a ceasefire between the government of the DRC and M23.Also, Getachew Reda from the TPLF on the agreement they signed to end the war with Ethiopia.Plus, will this year’s budget ki…
Why are Nigerians swapping their high-value banknotes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:57
Nigerians have to swap their current high-value banknotes for new ones by the end of January. Why the change?Also, we take a rare look at the workings of an elite Somali military unit fighting Al Shabab.Plus, from Harare…
How did a well-known Pakistani journalist die in Kenya? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:39
Conflicting reports on how a prominent Pakistani journalist died in Kenya. Kenyan police say he was shot. Islamabad says he was tortured as well. Who was he? And why was he in Nairobi?Also, the Somali government has shut…
Activists: Lobbyists threaten success of COP27 summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:37
Climate activists say fossil fuel lobbyists are threatening to derail genuine solutions to climate damage at the summit in Egypt.Meanwhile, there are massive fuel shortages in Malawi.And we meet the South Africa woman be…
France ends operations in the Sahel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
President Emmanuel Macron of France ends his country's anti-jihadist military operations in the Sahel... But why will some troops remain?Also, Nigeria's anti-drugs agency warns that smugglers are using new strategies to…
Ethiopia special: After warring sides agree truce, what next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
On the eve of the second anniversary of the outbreak of Ethiopia’s civil war, we take a close look at the genesis of the conflict between the central federal government and Tigrayan rebels, and assess the prospects for l…
More tensions between the DRC and Rwanda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:49
Tensions rise further between the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Rwanda over M23 attacks. Both nations trade more accusations about supporting rebel groups and a diplomatic offensive deepens.Also, the pare…
Scores dead in Somalia after attacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:31
At least one hundred-and-twenty people are confirmed dead in Somalia following Saturday's attacks blamed on Al-Shabab militants.Also, Nigeria's Government condemns the recent terror alerts from western embassies as 'irre…