Africa Daily

Nearly 900,000 people have received the Covid vaccine in Lesotho. That’s almost half the population of 2 million people. And the government is keen to see that figure rise and has introduced a vaccine mandate. People now have to be vaccinated to have access to their work place and many public services. But not everyone is happy. Many people are still reluctant to get jabbed and not everyone thinks...

In the years between 1999 and 2020, fewer coups took place than in previous decades. Many hoped they’d been largely consigned to history. But in 2021 it seemed like coups were becoming a regular event once again. In Mali, Sudan and Guinea, governments were overthrown by the military. And there was an attempt to do so in Niger. So, is this a new trend? Are coups really on the rise in Africa? #Afric...

Buying items in small sachets, instead of full size packs, is nothing new in Nigeria. But over the past year, an ever wider range of products have become available in these small plastic pouches. Even sanitary pads are sold in packs of just two. They may be cheaper, but they aren’t always economical in the long run. Inflation in Nigeria peaked at 18% last year. And food inflation reached a high of...

Last week a professor in Morocco was jailed for two years. He had been found guilty of indecent behaviour and sexual harassment. Women in Morocco have been sharing their stories. They say this kind of behaviour is widespread. And this case may sound familiar if you’re in West Africa. Two years ago, the BBC uncovered evidence of sexual harassment by professors at some universities in Ghana and Nige...

A robust rail network helped South Africa become the continent’s most industrialised nation. And for many people, the train has been the most affordable form of transport. But in recent years, South Africa’s railways have started to fall into disrepair. Criminals have found the that cables and rails can be stolen and sold for scrap. More than 200km of steel rails were taken across the country in N...

This time last year we were asking whether Africa would get enough Covid-19 vaccines. As 2021 progressed, it became clear that it wouldn’t. African leaders complained that rich countries weren't meeting their commitments to Covax, the scheme aimed at ensuring equitable access to the vaccines. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa coined the term vaccine apartheid, in reference to the gulf betwee...

In November last year, Uganda’s capital was rocked by a series of suicide attacks. The government blamed the ADF rebel group, said to be allied to the Islamic State. President Museveni said the military would go after them. And within days Ugandan forces were entering eastern DRC. Journalist Raymond Mujuni has been finding out what they are facing. Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporter: Raymond M...

In March 2020, Uganda closed all its schools as part of measures to deal with the pandemic. Some students hadn’t been back until they reopened on Monday. Others had been able to return for just a few weeks last year. So, are Ugandan students excited to be back in the classroom? And what challenges are they and their teachers facing? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Edward Mukasa and Bridget R...

Around the world, football fans are glued to the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a proud moment for players to represent their country and perhaps draw some international attention. For years, Africa’s top players have aspired to play for European clubs in La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga. But clubs in countries like Egypt and South Africa are starting to offer lucrative contracts that m...

Endometriosis is a condition experienced by one in ten women of childbearing age around the world. It’s caused by tissue similar to the womb lining growing in other parts of the body, where it can lead to bleeding and severe pain. But the symptoms – which can be debilitating - are often dismissed as period pain. It can be difficult to diagnose and campaigners say many doctors still aren’t aware of...

West African leaders have imposed sanctions on Mali’s military government. They have been calling for a return to civilian rule since a military coup in 2020. Mali has experienced a second coup since then. And elections which were planned for February are now facing a lengthy delay. Mali’s leaders have called the sanctions illegal. But will the measures encourage them to bring forward the election...

Basant Khaled was 17 when she is believed to have taken her own life. It’s alleged that private, digitally altered images of Basant were shared online. And that they were seen by fellow students. Her family say she wasn’t able to cope with people’s comments before her suicide. Her story has led to much discussion on social media in Egypt. And women are calling for more rights and supports for wome...

Football fans are getting ready for the Africa Cup of Nations to kick off on Sunday. Some of the worlds best footballers are in Cameroon for the competition. And we’ve got one of the best from that country to be our guide. Former AFCON winner Geremi tells us why Cameroon is ready to impress after an extended wait. They were initially meant to host in 2019, but it was relocated to Egypt due to unre...

On Sunday, Abdalla Hamdok resigned as Sudan’s Prime Minister, leaving the army in full control. Pro-democracy protesters took to the streets after the army staged a coup in October. Demonstrations continued when Hamdok returned to his position in a deal with the army. And there was more violence as he left power this week. Many are calling for new kind of politics in the country. So, how are they...

On Sunday a fire quickly spread through South Africa’s parliament building. The blaze took dozens of firefighters to contain and destroyed most of the National Assembly. Thankfully nobody was hurt. The damage will cost millions of dollars and could disrupt the government’s operations. But amid all this, some people in South Africa are celebrating. So, what’s the story behind the parliament fire? H...

Charismatic churches are attracting followers in many countries across the continent. They are often lead by a single powerful leader. But some of them have been accused of unconventional, even dangerous practices. And authorities in counties like South Africa are starting to talk about regulating the churches. So, why are they becoming so popular? #AfricaDaily

More than 20 years ago, BBC journalist Peter Macjob witnessed the murder of a young man by a cultist group. He has spent the last two years working with the BBC’s Africa Eye on an investigation into the group known as Black Axe. For the documentary he met face to face with members of criminal gangs. So, what does it take to carry out an investigation like this? #AfricaDaily

Burkina Faso has been battling an escalating insurgency since 2014. Islamist militants allied to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group have are threatening security. More than 70 people were killed in militant attacks in November. And people have taken to the streets in frustration. The President has appointed a new prime minister and promised to tackle the militants. #AfricaDaily

The UK has lifted Covid travel restrictions on all countries in Africa. The measures came into place after the Omicron variant was discovered by scientists in South Africa. And many other countries still have restrictions in place. So, what impact have they had on economies in those countries affected? #AfricaDaily

At the beginning of November, at least 45 people died when a luxury development collapsed in Lagos. But, there have been similar problems reported in other parts of the continent. There is a construction boom in Kampala, but across Uganda at least 17 buildings have collapsed since January. So, what’s going on? And how can construction be made safer? #AfricaDaily

How’s your love life? Dating can be tricky at the best of times…and the pandemic hasn’t made things any easier. The dating app Tinder says users have sent 20% more messages since the pandemic began. But lockdowns and fear of catching Covid has made meeting those matches in person more difficult. So, how have we adapted to dating during a pandemic? Host: Alan Kasujja Guests: Didi Edet, Hannah Ajala...

Africa has relatively low rates of diabetes. But cases are rising faster than any other continent. The condition causes the levels of glucose in the body to become too high. Untreated it can damage the nerves, eyes, heart and even lead to death. So, why is it a growing problem across Africa? And what can be done to prevent further cases? The episode contains frank discussion about sexual health is...

Artists like Burna Boy, Black Coffee and Wizkid are paving the way for a generation of music stars. They’re winning awards and collaborating with artists around the world who recognise their talent…and the influence sounds from the continent have had for centuries. And with African artists streaming and touring in these markets, it could be big business. Nigeria’s music industry could be worth $15...

Nigeria’s prisons are overcrowded and a majority of inmates are still awaiting trial. In the last year, the has been a spate of attacks on jails by armed gangs. They’ve freed more than 5000 prisoners…many still haven’t been recaptured. So, why are so many prisoners escaping? And can anything be done to stop it? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Yusuf Akinpelu (@akinpeluyusuph) Fra...

The BBC has announced nominations for African Sports Personality of the Year. Six competitors from across athletics, football and swimming are in the running, after a packed year of sport. So, who’s on the list? You can see the nominees and vote here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/59089895 And what were some of the best moments of 2021? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Celest...