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
Verdict announced in Sonko case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:58
A verdict against Senegalese opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko, has been announced. What impact would it have on his aspirations for higher office?And the controversial 'patriot' clause makes its way through Zimbabwe'…
Fighting in Sudan continues into second week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:25
Sudan's war has not let up and no ceasefire is apparent and as fighting intensifies, people are desperately trying to flee... Foreign embassies are evacuating their citizens and those Sudanese who can afford it are cross…
Despair as Sudan ceasefire is broken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:22
Intense fighting has continued in Sudan, casting doubt over whether the rival military factions will commit to a 24-hour the humanitarian truce. We hear from the vice-president of the Doctors’ Union on the targeting of h…
Fighting rocks Khartoum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:53
We focus on Sudan where fighting has rocked the capital and other cities since Saturday, in bloody clashes which have left nearly 100 dead.The forces of General Fatah Al Burhan, commander in chief of the army, and his ri…
400 people stranded off Malta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:23
Fears over the fate of 400 people stranded off the coast of Malta after they fled from Libya.Also, thousands of Ethiopians take part in huge protests in Gonder, Betchena and Gojam in Amhara to denounce plans by the Feder…
Convicted rapist escapes from South African prison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
How did a convicted rapist manage to fake his own death and escape a high security prison in South Africa?Also, Zimbabwean opposition spokeswoman found guilty for communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the government.Pl…
Monday demonstrations in Kenya [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Protests in Kenya for a second Monday running, as promised by Riyla Odinga.Also, business people in Kenya are callng for the political empass to be resolved.And the American vice president, Kamala Harris, is in Ghana. Wh…
South Africa's opposition EFF call for a shutdown of the economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:15
South Africa's opposition Economic Freedom Fighters call for a shutdown of the economy... we'll hear how it went.Also, as Ramadan approaches, Egyptians despair over the rising cost of food.Plus, music and money from Mala…
More bodies pulled in aftermath of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:30
More bodies recovered in the wost-hit areas of Malawi, following the devastation caused by Storm Freddy.Also, why are religious communities in the Kenyan coastal town of Mombasa staging anti-LGBTQI protests?Plus our resi…
Efforts to help survivors of Cyclone Freddy continue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:51
We'll be in Malawi for the latest on efforts to help people caught in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Freddy.Also, Anthony Blinken is the first US Secretary of State to visit Niger, but why now?And what needs to be done…