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
Have 22 Ugandans been trafficked to Myanmar? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:15
Uganda's Ministry of Internal Affairs says that at least 22 Ugandans are currently being held captive in Myanmar. The deputy national coordinator for trafficking in persons said they were originally destined for work in…
Is peace ever possible in DR Congo? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:58
A largely unobserved truce in DR Congo, results in heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. There's a presidential election just round the corner, with President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second, and final, five-…
COP 28 : A new deal agreed at the UN Climate summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:12
COP 28 : A new deal agreed at the UN Climate summit in Dubai. Is it all talk and no implementation?Kenya's ambitious plan to provide employment in other countries for its youth. And will it really take 300 years to end c…
A personal objection to the Rwanda asylum plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
In November, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was unlawful. The court said it was concerned about Rwanda's poor human rights record and its past treatment of refugees. The Rwanda…
Why does Egypt's President Sisi need a third term? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Egypt election: Despite a crumbling economy, why is President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeking a consecutive third term? Is a high voter turnout expected?The growing influence of Russia in the Central African Republic. And a…
Why has Somalia's 30 year arms Embargo been lifted? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:30
Exactly one week ago the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift Somalia's arms Embargo, thirty years after it was first imposed. So, why now? And why was it imposed in the first place?Also one of the k…
Why is the South African port of Durban in chaos? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:13
Congestion at sub-Saharan Africa's busiest shipping terminal -South Africa's Durban port is causing costly delays for shipping companies. Importers fear the Christmas rush will be missed.We return to Morocco three months…
Behind the "accidental" drone attack in Nigeria [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
At least 85 civilians have been killed in Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria, in a drone attack. The incident took place during a religious celebration on Sunday, according to the local emergency management authority. Pres…
Why has the US recognised Niger's military-led government ? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
The United States ambassador to Niger has presented her credentials to the military government in Niamey. The US announced the suspension of security cooperation and some financial aid following the coup in July but has…
A sex trafficking ring in Sierra Leone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
A report shows how six young girls fell victim to sex trafficking in Sierra Leone. They ended up in Senegal and are waiting to be repatriated. We have the details.Also a look at the African Disability Protocol. What is i…