Africa Daily

Mental health has seldom been a priority for most African governments. So, when the pandemic hit, the few support services available often found themselves overwhelmed. But younger people are using social media to put the topic back on the agenda. How much difference can they make? If you are affected by any of the issues mentioned in this episode, you can find information about support organisati...

Rwanda has recently started fighting against insurgents linked to Islamic State in Cabo Delgado in the north of Mozambique. Traditionally their armed forces have served as peacekeepers to many United Nations missions and as a country contribute more troops than any other in Africa. In the next episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why they are involved in these conflicts. Host: Alan Kasujj...

The medals, the surprises, the controversies. With the first week of the Olympics almost at the end, it’s time to take stock. Are African athletes bringing home the deserved gold? And, with Covid cases reaching new heights in Japan, are the pandemic Games living up to all the hype? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Victoria Uwonkunda, BBC reporter (@Msuwonkunda on Twitter) #AfricaDai...

Is this the end of malaria? Last year, malaria killed four times as many people in Africa as Covid-19 did. But a brand-new vaccine could help the continent finally get rid of the disease. It uses some of the cutting-edge technology developed during the pandemic - but will it work? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Dr Akpaka Kalu, World Health Organisation; Wilfred Mbacham, Multilate...

Is Ethiopia’s Tigray region any closer to finding peace? It’s been almost nine months since the war in Tigray began. Since then, both sides have claimed significant victories – and yet, fighting isn’t likely to stop any time soon. In fact, there are now fears the war may be spilling over to neighbouring regions. How big a danger is that? And what price will Ethiopia pay for a continued war? Host:...

What now for Tunisia’s young democracy? Following a day of nationwide protests, Tunisia’s president sacked the PM and suspended parliament. As he put himself in charge, he said this was about getting the country back on track. Problem is: his critics accuse him of leading a coup. Do they have a point? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Rana Jawad, BBC’s North Africa correspondent (bas...

The United Nations says that among all sources of pollution and waste, plastic occupies the very top. But because its cheap to produce and is also very durable, plastic remains attractive for industries. Many African countries however remain dedicated to eliminating this waste and to date 16 countries on the continent have banned plastic bags. At times imposing very harsh laws. In the next edition...

Taking your music everywhere has never been this easy. Music streaming is now a multi-billion dollar industry – and African start-ups want in on the action. After all, in a continent where most people are under 25, the potential for new subscribers seems huge. But can they make it? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Nana-Aisha Salaudeen, Nigerian journalist; Tendai Madziwanyika, CEO...

Sunday Igboho is a wanted man. The separatist leader has called for the creation of an ethnic Yoruba state in south-west Nigeria. His lawyer says he’s been arrested in neighbouring Benin, but Nigerian authorities have kept their lips sealed. If confirmed, what could this news mean for his movement? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Ishaq Khalid, BBC correspondent based in Abuja. #Afr...

“Africa’s Che Guevara” lives on. Thomas Sankara became the President of Burkina Faso back in 1983. Known for both his charisma and revolutionary politics, he had an auspicious vision for his country and the continent. Sankara was killed in 1987, but not his message: after all these years, many young Africans still look up to him. How come? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: James Cop...

An industry that is truly a diamond in the rough. Africa may be rich in precious stones, but its jewellery industry has struggled to compete with Asian and European companies. Some economists say the sector has huge potential and that, with the right investment, it could create millions of jobs across the continent. So, what’s holding our jewellers back? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Gu...

Thousands of Africans are making their way to Tokyo for the Olympics. The games get underway this month after a year long delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Just days before the athlete’s village officially opened last week, Tokyo entered another state of emergency. But the stadiums are ready, and athletes are arriving. In today’s episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at what we can expec...

Looting and violence. Days of unrest have taken their toll on South Africa’s two largest provinces: Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Rioting has left stores depleted, and food supplies are now running low. Thousands of troops have been deployed to restore order. But how did this crisis begin? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Vumani Mkhize, BBC reporter in South Africa. #AfricaDaily

How many bills do you need to buy a loaf of bread? The dollar isn’t taking Zimbabweans as far as it used to: life is getting more and more expensive. The central bank has introduced a new bill worth 50 Zimbabwean dollars, the highest banknote going around. But this alone has brought back bad memories: could the days of hyperinflation (and bills with far too many zeroes) be back? Host: Alan Kasujja...

Cars, motorbikes, boats… You name it. The Ugandan government wants every vehicle in the country to be equipped with a digital tracker. They say this is about fighting insecurity, but some people feel this will put them under permanent surveillance by the state. Do they have a point? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Darren Allan, journalist; Shafiq Ismail, car dealer; Jacky Kemigisa...

In June this year the bodies of 20 suspected illegal miners were found near an abandoned goldmine shaft just outside Johannesburg. The bodies were wrapped in white plastic bags and were severely burnt. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of their death. But the incident has once again bought to the fore the problem of illegal mining in the country – an industry that costs the autho...

Before his death, Tanzania’s President John Magufuli gained notoriety for denying Covid was a problem. He refused to sign up for vaccines, instead recommending prayers and herbal remedies. Now President Samia Suluhu is in charge. She has acknowledged that Covid is circulating in Tanzania and it’s now her job to tackle the pandemic. But what’s she done so far? Is it enough?

The youngest nation is the world is turning 10. But it’s fair to say that, after a decade of independence, not everything has gone according to plan. A civil war tore through the country. The economy remains fragile. So, do the people of South Sudan feel the occasion calls for a party? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Nichola Mandil, journalist in Juba, South Sudan. #AfricaDaily

Has Jacob Zuma finally run out of luck? The future of the former South African president is hanging in the balance. For months, his many legal troubles have fed daily headlines in the press. And yet, despite being sentenced to a 15-month jail term, for many he remains a hero – but why? How did the “Teflon president” fall from grace? And what does it all mean for South Africa? Host: Alan Kasujja (@...

Nigerians are feeling the pinch. Rising food prices have made it harder for many families to fill their shopping baskets. Staple foods like eggs or rice are no longer as affordable as they used to be. It’s inflation, say the economists. But how did life get so expensive? And what is the Nigerian government doing about it? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Kunle Falayi, business repor...

Is it ‘game over’ for Eswatini’s king? Days of pro-democracy protests have brought the country to a standstill. People are angry about a number of things – but, more than anything, they want King Mswati III to step aside. He’s ruled with an iron fist for 35 years, resisting any attempt to democratise the country. But can he ignore calls for change, now they’ve become this loud? Host: Alan Kasujja...

The Africa Cup of Nations takes place once every 2 years. It was scheduled to be played in 2021 but Covid-19 and other factors meant the tournament is now scheduled to take place in early 2022. Cameroon was due to host AFCON in 2019 but then Egypt took over at the last minute. In Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at whether Cameroon is now ready. . Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Nji...

Biafra separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been arrested. After spending years on the run, he was finally captured in unclear circumstances. But who is he? Why does he want an independent country for all Igbo people? And what does his capture mean for the future of Nigeria? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Ishaq Khalid, BBC reporter in Abuja; Law Mefor, Igbo Bu Igbo Social-Cultural F...

African cartoons are taking screens by storm. The continent’s animation industry may still be in its infancy - but African characters and stories are rapidly winning over new fans around the world. And yet, do they stand a chance against the likes of Western creators like Disney or Netflix? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Clara Njeru, Head Of Production at Kukua; David Malingha, B...

Catholic schools seized. Church-run clinics shut down. Eritrean Catholics say the government has - for years - been taking over their property. They, like many other Christians, feel under pressure. But how did we get here? How did a country known for some of Africa’s earliest churches decide to turn on its Christian groups? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Teklemariam Bekit, BBC r...