Focus on Africa
Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.
Episodes
Yemi Alade: beyond the music
Grammy-nominated Yemi Alade is one of Africa's biggest music stars and a trailblazer who has helped take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. She's collaborated with artists including Beyoncé and became the first female African Afrobeats artist to surpass 100 million views on a single music video. Now, she's touring the continent to promote her latest album. While in Kenya, she sat down with F
Mali insecurity escalates amid jihadist attacks
At least 50 soldiers have been killed in the latest attack in Mali as insecurity mounts in the country. The ambush took place near the northern town of Anefis and is one of the deadliest to occur in years. The attack has been claimed by Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda linked jihadists. The ambush has raised several questions about Mali's military strategy and playbook after the country ended coope
Deadly wildfires ravage Algeria
The Algerian government has said that six people have died in wildfires in several provinces in recent days, as a deadly heatwave ravages the country. Officials have also instructed provincial governors to carry out comprehensive assessments of the damage to help guide future compensation for affected communities. The fires come as several Mediterranean countries, including France and Italy, are s
Ebola: Kenya denies hosting US aid workers
Kenyan authorities have denied reports that seven aid workers are quarantined in an Ebola facility in Central Kenya. Members of the public and civil society groups have raised concerns following reports that the aid workers who worked at Ebola health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are quarantined at a US military base in the country. And, we shed the spotlight on foundational learn
Remembering the Nelson Mandela legacy
Every year, July 18 is marked as the Nelson Mandela International Day. It is a moment not only to celebrate the life of South Africa's first democratically elected president, but also to reflect on the values he championed which include justice, reconciliation and service to humanity. This year's commemorations included a live concert at London's Trafalgar Square, where artists gathered to honour
'Inside our polygamous marriage'
You may have heard about South Africa’s viral Netflix show, The Polygamist. The series has been trending across the continent, sparking conversations about relationships, marriage and fidelity.
Now, according to the Pew Research Center, a US-based think tank, only around 2% of the world's population lives in polygamous households. However, the practice is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, where a
Sierra Leone drops treason charge against ex-president
Sierra Leone's government has dropped its charges, including treason, against ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was arrested in connection with an attempted coup nearly three years ago. The charges had been dropped on health grounds, Information Minister Chernor Bah told the BBC. The 72-year-old former president has always denied involvement in the November 2023 attempted coup when gunmen broke
Nigeria abducted teachers and pupils speak
Days after the rescue of 48 school children and their teachers from kidnappers in Nigeria's Southwest Oyo State, authorities call for investigations into the abductions and the release. We hear from the families of the victims. And Somalia cites insecurity and money laundering in a bid to oppose the roll out a new WhatsApp feature that will allow users to utilise usernames instead of registered ph
Sudan court sentences RSF leader Hemedti. What next?
A Sudanese court has sentenced the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo - known as Hemedti - to death for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over atrocities committed in the West Darfur region. Hemedti, along with 15 other senior RSF leaders were sentenced in absentia. We look at what this means for the RSF and its three-year civil war with the
Wife of Tanzania's Lissu speaks to BBC
Once the target of an assassination attempt, Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu is now behind bars awaiting trial for treason. His case has become a test of political freedoms in the country and drawn international attention. BBC Africa Eye has now spoken exclusively to Lissu's wife, Alicia Magabe, about the toll his incarceration has taken on his family. And Lesotho's women are highly educa
"I'm 23 and losing my hair"
Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, affects an estimated 160 million people worldwide. Some forms of the condition disproportionately affect black women, due to a combination of factors including hairstyles that place tension on the hair, as well as genetic and hormonal influences. Now, some dermatologists are also saying they're seeing more cases, particularly among younger people. Meanwhil
Nigeria investigates AI and tech firms
A compliant submitted by the Nigerian Press Organisation, which represents newspaper owners, journalists’ unions, broadcasters and online publishers, has prompted the country's President Bola Tinubu to issue an investigation by the country's competition regulator into major technology companies over alleged anti-competitive practices and unauthorised use of news content. Growing influence of big
UN warns of Sudan's El-Obeid siege
The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Denis Brown has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's besieged city of El-Obeid is worsening as fighting and a blockade by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue. He says repeated drone strikes have hit power stations and water facilities, leaving civilians without essential services. The UN Human Rights Council has also ordered an urge
DRC: Tshisekedi's third term bid contested
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Senate adopted a constitutional revision bill in June, which has raised fierce controversy as it would effectively reset presidential term limits. The legislation paves the way for a public vote on a new constitution. Under this proposal, President Félix Tshisekedi's previous terms in office would be discounted, essentially allowing him to seek a third te
Africa's last teams standing at the World Cup
All but two African teams have been eliminated from the World Cup. Out of the 10 African teams participating when the tournament kicked off in the US, Canada and Mexico, Egypt is at the round of 16, preparing to face Argentina. Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals having defeated Canada. And it's the rainy season in West Africa, and recent flooding has caused more than 78 deaths in cities in
Solo-maxxing: are people opting out of dating?
Have you heard of solo-maxxing, or "by yourself maxxing"? It's a social media trend in which young people are embracing single life by opting out of dating and choosing to spend more time on their own. Instead, they're prioritising personal wealth, career growth and emotional independence. So, what's driving this trend? Is it a new kind of freedom, or are young people giving up on dating altogethe
Rights group accuses RSF of crimes against humanity in Sudan
Rights group, Amnesty International, says it documented the use of ethnic slurs during attacks on non-Arab communities, which the organisation says points to ethnic persecution. The report says the crimes were committed by paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces - RSF - during the group's offensive on the city of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur region last year. The report shows children were a
What next after South Africa anti-migrant protests?
South Africa on June 30 saw protests across different parts of the country. The demonstrators called for undocumented migrants to return to their home countries. While several African countries have repatriated their nationals from the country, many more are believed to still be residing in South Africa. We look at what's next for them and the country. And, in Tanzania, an indigenous tribe called
Tanzania strengthens border surveillance against Ebola
As neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo battle the Ebola outbreak, Tanzanian authorities say they're taking no chances. From screening travellers at border crossings to training frontline health workers, officials insist they're ready if the virus crosses into the country. But along the vast Lake Tanganyika shoreline, concerns remain over unofficial border crossings. And, at th
Inside the temporary immigrant camps in South Africa
Tuesday, June 30, is the unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant protestors for unregistered African nationals to leave South Africa. March and March movement, a group opposed to illegal migration, is expected to stage what they call “a national shutdown” following its demand for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Ahead of the nationwide protests, we hear from African nationals at
Why are Kenyan Gen Z’s still protesting?
June 25 marks a turning point in Kenya’s history. What started in 2024 as youth-led protests against the Finance Bill grew into nationwide demonstrations. Led largely by Gen Z, protesters demanded justice for the fallen, an end to corruption, and real economic change. More than 60 lives were lost in the historic anti-tax protests.In this episode we sit down with BBC reporters Akisa Wandera and Tho
Lenacapavir offering new hope for HIV prevention?
The United Nations has warned that nearly three million children could contract HIV by 2040, with more than half at risk of dying from AIDS-related illnesses if prevention and treatment efforts are not significantly expanded. The agency says the overwhelming majority of these infections are expected to occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where young people remain disproportionately affected by the epidem
Deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa
Police in South Africa have assured the safety of migrants and local businesses as civic organisations including the March and March anti-migrant group intensify calls for foreigners to leave. This precedes heightened tensions towards a June 30 deadline declared by the groups for migrants to leave the country.
Meanwhile in Kuwait, the fate of domestic workers mainly from some African countries r
Benin and Niger push toward border reopening
Niger has set strict conditions for reopening its border with Benin closed since the July 2023 military takeover. Among them are a new defence agreement, greater transparency over foreign military activities near the border, and the creation of a joint intelligence unit. The conditions were outlined during talks in Cotonou, Benin's commercial capital between a Niger delegation led by Maj Gen Moham
What UK PM's resignation means for Africans
The UK's Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and Labour leader after weeks of mounting pressure over political missteps, a slowing economy and falling support for the governing party. We examine what his departure could mean for UK-Africa relations and the estimated three million Africans living in Britain.And, nearly 118 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, and refugees in par
Why I froze my eggs
She had set herself a deadline: if she reached 30 without finding a partner, she would freeze her eggs. Her name is Amarachi Amusi, a Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur. She is among a growing number of women across Africa turning to the lengthy and costly procedure of egg freezing as a way of preserving their chances of motherhood while they wait to find a life partner.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
DRC Ebola: stories from the frontline
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Ebola outbreak continues to challenge communities, there is still reason for hope. Despite fear, violence and mistrust, many patients are surviving and recovering from the disease. In areas where treatment centres have been attacked and health workers threatened, every recovery offers a much-needed boost to families and communities struggling with
Russia's security influence in the Central African Republic
Russia’s security presence in Africa may be entering a new chapter, with the Central African Republic at the heart of the story. Reports suggest Moscow is looking to replace private military operatives,Wagner Group with Africa Corps, a force overseen by Russia’s Defence Ministry. But the handover appears far from straightforward, raising questions about Russia’s influence across the continent, the
Cape Verde's historic World Cup debut
Cape Verde's national football team, Blue Sharks, stunned 2010 champions Spain at their first ever World Cup match. From the stadium in Atlanta, to the streets of the archipelago's capital Praia, we hear what the tournament and the result means for fans. And BBC Africa Eye hears from some of the last surviving soldiers of the Nigerian Civil War, who recall what they went through during the three-y
World Cup: How hate-watching reflects social tensions
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, we look at the rise of hate-watching across parts of the continent. The trend was especially visible when Mexico faced South Africa at the opening game last week. Some African fans, especially on social media, openly backed Mexico against Bafana Bafana citing the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration sentime
Is the internet dividing men and women?
You may have heard of the manosphere - but what about the femosphere? It's a growing online community of female influencers encouraging women to give up on gender equality, approach relationships strategically and seek financial benefits from men, often in the name of empowerment. While researchers say there's no evidence it's radicalising followers like the manosphere, there are concerns about it
Africa's World Cup dream: controversy and opportunity
Africa's football spirit meets the 2026 World Cup buzz, controversy, and opportunities. The tournament is a landmark moment for African football, coming four years after Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at the Qatar edition in 2022. But even before the games begin, the tournament has been shrouded in controversy after the US denied Somali referee Omar Artan ent
DRC: How armed conflict is affecting Ebola response
There has been continued violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in recent months as rebel groups and armed forces wrestle for territorial control. DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces have been the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, along with Ituri Province where more than 560 cases of the virus have been reported. Parts of these eastern areas are under the control of rebel g
Nigeria: Freed from Boko Haram
At least 360 abductees were rescued by the Nigerian army from an enclave linked to a terrorist group in northeastern Borno State. Most of them being women and children. While the Nigerian Army says the rescue followed weeks of planning and intelligence-led operations that achieved "complete tactical surprise," overwhelming the terrorists and forcing them to abandon their positions and flee into th
African prisoners of war in Ukraine
Over 3,000 African fighters are involved with the Russian army as claimed by Ukrainian authorities. Many of them say they have been misled or coerced into fighting by illegal recruitment agencies promising a good job and salary in Russia.
We speak to the BBC's Sammy Awami who gained access to a prisoner of war facility in western Ukraine, and spoke to some of the young men trapped there. And we h
‘More than my ovaries’: Redefining PCOS
PCOS affects an estimated 170 million women worldwide during their reproductive years yet as many as 70% of those affected remain undiagnosed, according the World Health Organization. Experts hope that will change following the condition’s recent renaming to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), a term they say better reflects its impact on the whole body, not just the ovaries. So what
South Africa: what realities face those fleeing xenophobia?
Foreign nationals in South Africa are facing renewed fears following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, which have reportedly killed nine Mozambican nationals. Ghana and Mozambique have begun evacuating some of their citizens, while other countries are considering similar moves. We hear from those fleeing the tensions and how they are rebuilding life in their home countries. Then, we head to L
Nigerian teachers protest school kidnappings
Teachers in Nigeria's Oyo, Borno and Lagos states protest kidnappings of teachers and learners. And how poor sanitation puts mothers at risk of maternal sepsis in Zambia.
What's in Ghana's new anti-LGBTQ+ bill?
Ghana’s President John Mahama has said the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill will undergo a review by the Attorney General and legal advisers at the presidency before he decides to sign it into law. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was approved by parliament last Friday. The legislation proposes a three-year prison sentence for same-sex relations and up to five years imprisonme
Kenyans protest proposed US Ebola facility
Protests erupted on June 1 near a military airfield in Central Kenya where the US government is planning to establish an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens. Construction on the site was paused last week by a Kenyan court pending a hearing into a lawsuit lodged by campaigners to block the move. However local media has reported that two US military aircraft have already delivered medical
Gigantomastia: Living with my oversized breasts
For many women, having larger breasts may be down to genetics. But for some, breast growth is extreme, painful and life-altering. The condition is called 'gigantomastia'. A condition that causes excessive breast tissue growth, leading to chronic pain, mobility challenges, and emotional distress.Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 25-year-old South African content creator Michelle
Kenya's toxic masculinity influencers
BBC Global Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield has spent a year examining the rise of two of the most influential manosphere figures. In Kenya, she met Andrew Kibe who has millions of followers online and offline. We hear how these individuals have built massive online audiences and the lucrative business behind it all. And a look at how the political fallout between Senegal's former Prime Mi
Ethiopia votes amid press freedom concerns
Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its general election on June 1. Millions of voters will be electing members of the national parliament and leaders of the regional councils fronted by 23 political parties. This election happens amid political and security uncertainties in the populous regions of Oromia and Amhara, while there will be no voting in the northern Tigray region. With Ethiopia currently r
Ebola and burial traditions in DRC
The World Health Organisations says Ebola is spreading faster than originally thought and has declared a public health emergency of international concern. Ebola has also been reported in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, as well as in neighbouring Uganda, where there have been seven confirmed cases. In the last week, there have been incidents where angry crowds attempted to reclaim bodies
What does it mean to be African?
May 25 is Africa Day, observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity - now known as the African Union (AU). We spoke to three Africans, a generation X, a millennial and a Gen Z about the dreams and aspirations Africans today. And South African activists on the Gaza bound Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home. The activists were on board the flotilla taking ai
Are billionaires good for Africa?
About twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23. Their combined wealth has grown to more than 100 billion US dollars. At the same time, many people on the continent are living in poverty, and their number has also grown. Focus on Africa Podcast host Charles Gitonga has been speaking to the youngest billionaire in Africa, Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist
Who are the Azawad Liberation Front in Mali?
In Mali, separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front have renewed attacks in the northern part of the country with the aim of creating an independent Tuareg state. We hear from a Sahel security expert on the origins of the group, and their recent alliance with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) - al-Qaeda's armed affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel.And, some lawmakers in Ghana are consid
How Arsenal built a loyal African fan base
After 22 years, Arsenal has won another English Premier League title. The team is one of the most popular European football clubs in Africa, and had been running a multi-million sponsorship deal with the government of Rwanda which concluded at the end of the 2025–26 season. We speak to fans across the continent to hear what this win means for them. And with rising fuel prices in most parts of the
Ebola: how does contact tracing work?
The Democratic Republic of Congo says the death toll linked to its latest Ebola outbreak has risen to 131, with 513 suspected contacts now being monitored across six health zones, as the government races to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo variant of the virus. And, with global fuel supply shortages, there are renewed calls for African investments in energy and infrastructure. We speak to Nige
Who is in charge in Somalia?
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's four-year tenure came to an end on May 15th. However, a contentious constitutional amendment has extended it by a year. The country had failed to hold elections over controversy regarding electoral reforms. We hear how Somalia got here, and what is next for the country. Also, Zimbabwe plans to return commercial farms to white farmers more than two decade
Is African fashion redefining global style?
Africa’s booming fashion industry took centre stage at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, where bold African designs dominated online conversations and red-carpet highlights.Host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks with Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo and Nigerian designer Mohammed Abbas about the rise of African luxury fashion, the stories behind their headline-making looks, and how African cre
Did Trump tarrifs shape China-Africa trade deal?
A colorful Beijing, filled with grand celebration has welcomed President Trump who is on a two day visit to the Asian country. At the height of the trade war in 2025, the two countries had levied tariffs that crossed 100% on each other. A fragile truce followed but one of the main questions hanging over this visit is whether that will last, and what deal would take its place? In the midst of all o
Could President Ramaphosa be impeached?
In South Africa, a speech from the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly saying he will not resign, is trending. A Constitutional Court ruling last week found that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it voted against establishing an impeachment inquiry against Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala report in 2022, where thousands of dollars were stolen from furniture at his game farm. And t
What came out of the Africa–France summit?
Protestors have been arrested in Nairobi while objecting the Africa-France event and France-Africa relations, calling it rebranded "imperialism". Macron has announced investments worth $27bn (£20bn) in Africa in areas such as energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture. The summit is aimed at broadening Paris's partnerships and making investment deals on the continent a
Botswana President backs Africa-France relations
The president of Botswana Duma Boko in an exclusive conversation with the BBC has shared his view about the state of diplomatic ties between African countries and France, as the "Africa Forward" summit kicks off in Nairobi. And, around the world, about 100,000 seabirds are unintentionally killed each year by fishing gear, including 10,000 in South Africa. In response, the conservation charity, Bir
'Why I can't stop bleaching my skin'
We speak to South African influencer and software developer Masheane Sefuthi, who has been on a journey to ‘whiten’ his skin; public health advocate Amira Adawe, who has been campaigning against these harmful products; and Kenyan media personality Kush Tracey, who has spoken about reversing skin bleaching after years of struggling with it.Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Fana Negash, Basma E
Is Ethiopia involved in Sudan war?
For a while now, Sudan's military government has been accusing Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of working with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudan war that entered its fourth year in April. Both the UAE and Addis Ababa have refuted that claim. An investigation by the Reuters news agency in January showed the presence of a secret training camp in Ethiopia allegedly used to train thous
Hantavirus: what you should know
As medical experts work to contain the spread of hantavirus on board a stranded cruise ship in the Atlantic ocean, we hear from a representative of the World Health Organisation in Cape Verde. What's hantavirus, how does it spread and what happens to those on board the MV Hondius luxury cruise liner? Also, seven years after the enactment of the law promoting inclusion for persons living with disab
What Eswatini risks by standing with Taiwan
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has finally visited Eswatini where his arrival had been expected since April. The state visit was cancelled last minute, and Taiwan blames China - saying Beijing applied pressure on African countries not to allow the plane carrying President Ching-te to use their airspace on the way to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We look at the significance of this visit and Taiwan's d
Sudanese journalists win World Press Freedom Prize
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO has awarded the 2026 Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, recognising their courage in reporting amid threats to their safety and rights. Since Sudan’s war began in 2023, more than 30 journalists have been killed and over 500 violations recorded, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world for
'Is diaspora written on my forehead?'
For the longest time, Africa’s migration story has largely been one way: people leaving the continent in search of opportunity. But that story is beginning to shift. Africa’s young diaspora who were born and raised in Europe, the United States and Canada are increasingly choosing to move to countries their parents once left.Focus on Africa podcast host Charles Gitonga spoke to Dr Maryam Abdishakuu
Uganda sovereignty bill: protection or policing?
Uganda’s new bill could jail citizens for up to 20 years for unauthorised foreign funding, citing concerns over foreign influence on national policy. This has raised questions about the future of civil society, independent organisations, and political freedoms in the country. We look at what the Sovereignty Bill could mean for Ugandans if passed into law.Meanwhile, in northern Zimbabwe, a conserva
South Africans debate the migrant question
In South Africa, rising anti-immigration protests are once again putting xenophobia in the spotlight. We hear from two South Africans with opposing views to understand what’s fuelling the anger, from economic pressure to questions of identity and belonging.Then, we turn to sport, where Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawe is making global headlines. After a record-breaking performance in London, he has b
What’s driving the coordinated attacks across Mali?
We look at what’s behind the coordinated attacks in Mali by the Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM, which are raising fresh questions about how much control the military-led government really has and whether its alliance with Russia’s Africa Corps is making a meaningful difference in tackling insecurity.At the same time, condom prices could rise by up to 30%, a growing concern for African countries
Tanzania’s report on election violence sparks debate
Tanzania is under growing scrutiny after a government report revealed there were 518 deaths during the October 2025 elections. The report says 197 of those killed died from gunshot wounds.However, the report doesn’t say who was responsible for the deaths, recommending further investigations. We unpack what it means and what comes next.Plus, in Zimbabwe, we hear how one woman is turning personal pa
Why more men are getting paternity tests
One testing centre in Nigeria told the Focus on Africa Podcast that the number of paternity tests it conducted rose by 28.8% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Focus on Africa Podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Peter Ngumba, a lab technologist in Kenya who, through his work conducting DNA tests, decided to test the paternity of his own two children.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fan
Madagascar: Gen Z arrests fuel doubts over military rule
In Madagascar, the arrest of Gen Z protesters is fuelling growing doubts about the military leadership that emerged after the 2025 uprising, as young activists question whether anything has truly changed. Elsewhere on the continent, a new report reveals a deepening economic squeeze: African countries are now paying nearly twice as much to borrow as they did in 2020, as shrinking aid forces governm
What does the Morocco–Nigeria gas pipeline involve?
A major gas pipeline is being planned from Nigeria to Morocco, running along the Atlantic coast through countries including Ghana and Senegal, before potentially linking up to Europe. The $25 billion project is aimed at boosting energy access across West Africa, but it is still awaiting a final green light, expected later this year.Also, Masai giraffe numbers have fallen by more than half in the p
Controversy over US deportees in DR Congo
More than a dozen deportees from the US, reportedly from South America, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the beginning of April, the DRC government announced a deal with the US under which Kinshasa would accept individuals known as “third-country” deportees. The arrival of these deportees has raised concerns and questions among Congolese people and opposition figures.We als
Kenyan children in search for British soldier dads
BBC Africa Eye follows Kenyans at the centre of a groundbreaking legal battle to track down their British soldier fathers using novel DNA methods. Nanyuki, Kenya, is home to one of Britain’s largest overseas military training areas, where thousands of British troops train each year. Over the years, nearly 100 children have been fathered by British soldiers here. Many of their dads disappeared, wit
ADHD and me
Across the globe, diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are on the rise, including in Africa. An estimated 7% of children and adolescents on the continent are living with the condition, and doctors in Nigeria and Kenya told the BBC that they have seen a notable increase in diagnoses in recent years. This surge is partly attributed to the rapid spread of information about ADH
Electric vehicles - fixing Africa's fuel crisis?
Kenya is the latest African country to increase fuel prices citing the US-Israel war with Iran. While announcing one of the steepest pump price increments in recent times, the government reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products from 16% to 8%, as the country's political opposition threatens street demonstrations if measures to lower prices further are not taken. In this episode - we explore
Sudan war three years on
It's three years today, April 15, since the war in Sudan erupted triggered by a power struggle between the army and paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces - RSF. The fighting has led to a partitioning of the country and created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The number of women and girls needing support in Sudan following gender-based violence has nearly quadrupled since the start of t
Charmain and the Ghanaian prophet
A BBC Disclosure investigation has uncovered significant questions about what happened at the hotel where Charmain Spiers died. In 2015, Charmain's body was discovered in a hotel room, and her death was determined as “heroin poisoning”. Her husband and self-proclaimed prophet, Eric Adusah was seen at the hotel on the night of her death, and a test of her hair showed no long-term heroin use. The BB
Pope Leo XIV begins Africa visit
Pope Leo XIV has started his 11-day visit of four African countries. The Pontiff arrived in Algeria on Monday, where he called for peace, forgiveness and justice at the Martyrs monument in the capital, Algiers. The Pope is expected to visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV wants to "turn the world's attention to Africa" according to a senior Vatican official. More than a fifth
Sudan war: 'Music saved my life'
15 April marks three years since the Sudan war began, as the vicious power struggle between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues. More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Yet even in the darkest moments, music lives on.
Benin to elect new president
Voters in Benin will head to the elections on April 12 to choose a new president. The winner of the vote will take over from the current leader, Patrice Talon - who is stepping down after two terms and a decade in power. The two candidates in the poll are 49-year-old finance minister Romuald Wadagni, who will face off against opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè. We hear the priorities of young voter
US-Iran ceasefire and Africa
The US and Iran have announced a two week ceasefire which will see the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz - one of the largest transit routes for oil. The conflict in the Middle East has led to a shortage of fuel in many African countries, and cut off key exports from Africa to the Gulf. We ask if the stand off has triggered African countries to trade more with each other to offset the disruption b
Artemis II: Africa on the space frontier
Astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft have begun a four-day journey back towards the earth after completing a flyby of the far side of the moon. The mission began on April 1, when the rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States, and has raised significant interest around the world. We heard from a representative of Africa2Moon - a project working towards Africa's fir
Life on the Autism Spectrum
In Malawi where resources are scarce and support is limited, the challenges some parents face when caring for their children with autism are extreme. BBC Africa Eye’s Florence Phiri shares her experience documenting the lives of several parents and children in Malawi living with autism.
And, DR Congo's national football team, The Leopards, are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup that is being ho
