Focus on Africa

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new coalition government, after his party, the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority in May's elections. Mr Ramaphosa said "the government of national unity is unprecedented in the history of our democracy". What do South Africans think of the new cabinet? Also a conversation with Ugandan designer Latif Madoi who was arres...

Sierra Leone recently passed a landmark bill to ban child marriage. The country has one of the highest child marriage rates in the world. How easy will it be to eliminate the practice? Also we hear from the new chancellor for the University of Nairobi Professor Patrick Verkooijen. What's his view on the Gen Z inspired protests in Kenya? And how did Togo manage to eliminate four neglected tropical...

Ministers of Ecowas, the regional and political organisation for fifteen west African countries, are meeting in Abuja to discuss the formation of a new regional force against terrorism and unconstitutional government changes. The talks come amidst a rise in jihadist activity across the Sahel and after recent coups.  Is a new regional force, the answer to the challenges faced by countries in West A...

Somalia's ambassador to the United Nations recently accused Ethiopian troops of making illegal incursions across their shared border. Relations between the two countries have continued to decline ever since Ethiopia signed a non-binding agreement with the breakaway Republic of Somaliland earlier this year. Why Africans continue to pay a high price for denied visas into Europe. And how floating sol...

Protesters in Kenya embarked on yet another round of demonstrations against a new finance bill that seeks to introduce new taxes. Police appeared overwhelmed in some parts of the capital, Nairobi. Demonstrators were seen approaching the parliament complex, where fire could be seen. Why have demonstrations darkened? Also Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control expresses particular concern over this ye...

Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, who won a landmark case when judges ruled that laws banning same-sex acts between men are unconstitutional, says he drew strength from his Christian faith and from his mum. Over a billion dollars has been pledged to develop vaccines in Africa. How will it work and will African insitutions be able to access the money? And who is Michael Usi, the former comedian who...

Kenya braces itself for more marches next week when lawmakers take a final vote on the controversial tax proposals. But who are the young people taking to the streets and are they really changing the face of protest in Kenya? Also what are the factors hampering Burundi's economy And why are South African traditional healers, or Sangomas as they're known, being trained to test clients for HIV? Pres...

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers have reportedly died during Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Most of the deaths have been because of heat-related illnesses. Saudi Arabia has been hit by sweltering temperatures this year.  What measures are in place to help travellers mitigate the risks from these high temperatures? Also, why are cases of sexually transmitted infections on the rise on th...

Amnesty International is calling on Egypt to stop arresting Sudanese people seeking refuge from war. The human rights watchdog says Egypt must also stop sending refugees back to Sudan. Our correspondent in Cairo tells us how these refugees are perceived and treated. Also why is violence once again on the rise in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province? And how did Famo, a genre of music in Lesotho, cam...

Kenya's government has bowed to public pressure and scrapped plans to introduce new taxes on items like bread and motor vehicles. Why were Kenyans so angry with the tax increments? Ethiopia one of sub-Saharan Africa's major economies, opens up its banking sector to foreign investors. What will it mean for the country? And why is Sierra Leone considering updating its child protection laws?

Female students at the University of Juba in South Sudan say, they were arrested and beaten by police following a protest against a rise in hostel fees.  It's caused concern amongst civil society groups in the country.  We'll hear reaction from Jackline Nasiwa, a human rights defender and director of Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice in South Sudan. Also a task team in Sierra Leon...

Nigeria, a nation once notorious for military rule, is marking 25 years of democracy, at a time when several of its West African neighbours have had coups in recent years. But as many Nigerians struggle to earn enough to live on, amid an economic crisis and dramatically rising prices, some appear to be very unhappy with how they are being governed. So, is democracy working in Nigeria? Also, why ar...

The United States' envoy to Sudan has warned that the fall of the besieged city of el-Fasher in western Darfur, is imminent. It's the only city still under army control in the region. What happens if the city falls? And what will the wider impact be? Also Malawi mourns the death of its Vice President and 9 other passengers folliwng an airplane crash, we'll find out more about Mr Chilima, the man a...

Several hundred people are jailed in Tunisia just for writing bad cheques. Human rights campaigners are calling for Tunisia to replace this system with alternatives to prison for repaying debt. A look at the worsening relations between West African neighbours Niger and Benin. Plus, an initiative to close down orphanages in a bid to end child exploitation.

Millions of children in northern Nigeria are without sufficient food, that's according to the aid agency, MSF. The persistent malnutrition crisis in the region, MSF says, stems from inflation, security issues and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. We'll hear from Dr Simba Tirima in Maiduguri. Also its almost 10 years since so-called Islamic State declared a caliphate. What's been their influe...

Somalia was recently elected by the United Nations General Assembly to be a member of the 15 member U.N.Security Council. This is for a two-year term starting next year. What does Somalia bring to the top table at the UN? Also, how huge quantities of gold are being smuggled out of Africa And we meet the Ghanaian dance duo Afronita and Abigail who wowed a talent show in Britain. Presenter: Charles...

The Focus on Africa Podcast turns 1. On this special edition, we look back at the year that's been. We re-visit kidnappings in Nigeria, we head back to the Seychelles where an opposition leader was accused of witchcraft and remember the challenges and opportunities of being a first-born daughter. Presenters: Richard Kagoe and Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Nyasha Michelle, Daniel Dadzie, Patr...

Russia and Sudan have formally agreed to set up what they call " a logistical support point on the Red Sea". It will be Russia's first naval base in Africa.  Why does Russia need a naval base close to the Red Sea? Also, a jail term for Senegalese citizens for criticising Prime Minister Sonko on gay rights.  What's going on?  And we'll find out more about what's it like living with endometriosis, a...

Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov is back in Africa having visited the continent several times in the past couple of years. What is Russia looking for in these frequent visits to the continent? And can it help with Libya? Also, how internet scams in Nigeria are impacting the lives of teenagers in different parts of the world And why Madagascans are unhappy about internet access in their cou...

The first-ever summit of African leaders and South Korea is underway in Seoul. South Korea has promised to boost development aid for Africa by up to $10 billion over the next six years. The country also aims to tap into Africa's rich mineral resources. How else can Africa benefit from this new forged relationship with South Korea? Also the UN warns that millions of people in Sudan are at risk of m...

Following last week's elections, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, has lost its majority. The ANC now needs a coalition partner to ally with. It's begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents, but who will it choose and why? Also Nigeria's public workers begin an indefinite nationwide strike following failed negotiations with the government And have you heard of 'adap...

The United States has sanctioned Uganda’s parliament speaker, her husband and others over corruption and rights abuses, but will the imposed restrictions have a wider impact? After the mysterious disappearance of a Zambia parliamentarian who was later found, opposition politicians fear the country’s democracy is under threat. And why is there a power tussle between the Cameroon government and the...

It's one year since Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s President. Mr Tinubu assumed office during a time of unprecedented challenges for Africa’s most populous country. How are Nigerian's feeling about his promise of a "renewed hope"? Somalia is the only sub-Saharan country to carry out the death penalty, where according to Amnesty International executions are on the rise. What's the attitude towards th...

The military junta in Burkina Faso extends its military rule for another five years. So does this mean it is consolidating its power? There have been chaotic scenes in Sierra Leone during the Bar Association’s ballot for a powerful executive, deeply steeped in the country’s politics, and Gen Z’s desire for promotion in the South African workplace – what are employers doing to accommodate them?

It's getting easier to access illegal arms in Kenya which has led to the rise in violent crime, especially in more deprived areas. What's fuelling the rise in gun crime? Also, why is Ghana turning to nuclear power? And a documentary explores the reality African students face when they choose to study abroad. Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya an...