Africans immigrating to Spain

Africans immigrating to Spain

Author: BBC World Service February 24, 2026 Duration: 22:59

In this episode, we examine how Spain’s plan to offer over 500,000 migrants legal status will affect African migrants in the country. Following an announcement by Spain's government, several in support of the proposal say it’s practical and crucial for Spain’s economy, while critics warn it could encourage irregular migration. We speak to a young Nigerian man in the queue for documentation. And we take a look at a recently released UNESCO report that shows Africa is giving the creative industries greater priority in comparison to other regions, with 62% of countries now including culture in development plans.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba 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
'My photos became deepfake porn' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:57
What does it feel like when your photos are taken, manipulated and shared online without your consent? That’s the reality for 23-year-old Debra Nashipae, a Kenyan student and aspiring musician whose images were turned in…
Zambian influencer imprisoned for hate speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards, also known as 'One Boss Lady', has been a vocal critic of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. She was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act,…
Nigeria's kidnapping crisis leaves parents scarred [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Nigeria: A deep dive into the spike in school mass abductions by armed groups in northern Nigeria. We hear from the parents of some of the victims and ask: Who is behind the kidnappings and what's the government doing ab…
Is Egypt reasserting its influence in Africa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A rare conversation with Egypt's Foreign Minister about the Sudan War and the tensions with Ethiopia over the river Nile, and Focus on Africa moves its hub from London to Nairobi. Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelat…
Zambia President Faces Backlash Over Constitution Amendments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema faces challenges over proposed constitutional changesWhy Zimbabwean short film RISE deserves an Oscar nominationShould footballers from the diaspora be allowed to join African nationa…
Why Maasai leaders want luxury camp removed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:33
Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve is at the centre of a legal battle over a new Marriott Ritz-Carlton luxury safari lodge. Why are Maasai leaders calling for the camp to be removed?Also in the podcast, we hear from Malian…
Guinea-Bissau: General sworn in after coup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:50
A military general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's transitional president following the 15th coup in the country. Why is the country prone to coups?BBC speaks to families of missing students in Niger state as Nigeri…
Mali settles gold mine dispute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
The Malian government and Canadian mining firm Barrick have ended their two year tax dispute and have agreed a multi-million dollar settlement. So what does the agreement involve?Why did a volcano in Ethiopia erupt after…
Guinea- Bissau: Rivals claim victory over election [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:26
In Guinea-Bissau, rivals Embalo and Dias claim victory in a tense presidential election as official results remain pending.In Nigeria, separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to four life terms for terrorism and…
Selling body parts for 'rituals' in Sierra Leone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
A BBC Africa Eye documentary has exposed the practice of selling body parts for magic rituals in Sierra Leone. We speak to the reporter who went back to the town where an 11-year-old boy was murdered as part of a suspect…