Sinopsis
News and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast is published from Monday to Friday. It contains the day's top African stories.
Episodios
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Kenyan blogger dies in police custody
11/06/2025 Duración: 35minA 31-year-old blogger, Albert Ojwang, has died in police custody in Kenya. A post-mortem revealed that he was hit on the head and his death was likely to have been caused by assault. The results of the post-mortem contradict police previous claims which said Albert had "sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall". His death has sparked widespread outrage in Kenya. We'll find out more about the case.Also, what happens to desperate people when humanitarian organisations cannot offer them the aid they need? And why Botswana has paused production at some of its diamond minesPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard
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Russia's Wagner Group leaves Mali
10/06/2025 Duración: 33minRussia says the paramilitary group Wagner has accomplished its mission and has left Mali, although a Russian presence remains in the West African country, through the Africa Corps. So what did the Wagner Group achieve?Why has a separatist movement on the tiny, remote island of Annobón that is part of Equatorial Guinea, appealed to Argentina for support with its independence claim?And new research shows that Africa now has more Christians than any other continent, surpassing Europe for the first time. We discuss what is driving that growth.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alfonso Daniels, Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Joseph Keen Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
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Uganda: World Bank lifts loan ban
09/06/2025 Duración: 27minIn 2023, Uganda voted in some of the world's harshest anti-homosexual legislation meaning that anybody engaging in certain same-sex acts can be sentenced to death. The World Bank decided to ban Uganda from receiving loans because of its legislation. The bank now says it's confident that new "mitigation measures" will allow it to roll out funding in such a way that does not harm or discriminate against LGBTQ+ community. We hear analysis.Also, why increasing numbers of people in Togo are thinking about leaving ECOWASAnd why is Nigeria importing cows from Denmark?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Kane Masaba-Morgan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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How is Africa affected by the US travel ban?
06/06/2025 Duración: 32minIs Trump's latest travel ban part of a US disengagement from Africa?Why are many countries now shifting their views on Western Sahara in favour of Morocco?And how can digital skills be made more available for disabled people in Africa?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London, with Charles Gitonga, Richard Kagoe and Christine Ntayiai in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
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Lesotho: Why are mothers against 'bluetoothing'?
05/06/2025 Duración: 34minMothers in Lesotho are campaigning against a needle sharing method which exposes drug users to the risks of HIV and other diseases, taking root in the country. What is 'bluetoothing' or 'hotspotting'?Also, the wider impact of the rising Islamist attacks in West Africa And why do people choose Hunger strikes as a form of protest, and are they effective?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Nick Randell Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
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Dozens killed in twin Mali attacks
04/06/2025 Duración: 31minMali's army says it has repelled attacks by jihadists on two military bases. Why is the Al-Qaeda linked group stepping up attacks? South Africa's continued hunt for an alleged illegal mining kingpin in LesothoAnd why is Nigeria the worst place in the world to give birth in?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Africa to benefit most from Bill Gates fortune
03/06/2025 Duración: 32minMicrosoft founder, Bill Gates says that most of his fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years. The 69-year-old said, "by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity". He also tells us what he makes of online attacks against his philanthropy.Also, we hear about the devastating impact of war on Sudan's childrenAnd how an automated system is protecting birds in South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Nigerian flooding kills at least 200 people
02/06/2025 Duración: 29minNigerian officials have warned there's little hope of finding alive around 500 people still missing after flash floods in Niger state. How are survivors coping?Mauritania’s Sidi Ould-Tah elected as the new president of the African Development Bank. What was the voting process like?And we meet one photographer who has turned his lens on insects to tell a bigger storyPresenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar ,Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Joshlin Smith: South Africa's human trafficking problem
30/05/2025 Duración: 31minA South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extent of problem in the country. Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?And a tribute to and an exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who has died at the age of 87.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
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US halts international student visa applications
29/05/2025 Duración: 26minUS embassies globally have halted student visa appointments, as social media vetting expands. How is Africa affected?Why is Zimbabwe's controversial radio tax now being implemented? And how AI can predict and prevent child malnutrition in Kenya?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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African leaders attend Russia's Security Summit
28/05/2025 Duración: 34minRussia's 13th International Security Summit in Moscow attracts over forty African leaders. How significant is it and what does it mean for the continent, especially for the Sahel? Also, Boeing seals a deal with the US Department of Justice over the fatal crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed hundreds of people. One family who lost their son and daughter-in-law in the 2019 Ethiopian plane crash share their reaction with us. And the impact of the temporary closure of Ghana's embassy in US over an alleged visa scandal.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Uganda suspends German military co-operation
27/05/2025 Duración: 28minUganda cuts military ties with Germany following diplomatic rift.Somalia's government moves to control clan militias fighting al-Shabab - after allegations of serious atrocities.And will Starlink's strategy of 'winning big by thinking small' help them cover the African continent?Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Bella Hassan, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Technical Producer Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Can the UN bridge the political divide in Libya?
26/05/2025 Duración: 30minThe Libyan capital city, Tripoli, has been rocked by clashes between armed rival groups, and pressure is building up on the prime minister to resign as protests erupt in other parts of the country. Can the United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) help to bring stability to the divided country?Smart cities are popping up across Africa, blending tech, data, and infrastructure to create the digital urban towns of tomorrow. But just how 'smart' are these projects?And we hear from victims caught in the crosshairs of Cameroon's Anglophone conflict, and also speak to the reporter of BBC Africa Eye's latest investigation looking into the country's deadly crisis.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba is in Lagos Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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South Africa releases crime stats
23/05/2025 Duración: 34minAs South Africa releases its latest crime statistics. Who are the main victims of violent crime and why does the country have such a reputation?Is there "democratic backsliding" in East Africa? What does this mean? We hear from a human rights activist.And talk to the man behind a lasting tribute to Thomas Sankara's memory.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga. Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
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President Trump confronts President Ramaphosa
22/05/2025 Duración: 31minThe US President Donald Trump, confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide and land seizures during a tense White House meeting. It was reminiscent of the US President's ambush of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy earlier this year. At a time when diplomacy means everything, how did the South African President fare and what next for the US/South Africa relationship?Also, who will the next President of the African Development Bank be?And we find out more about the former Mauritanian president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who has been jailed for 15 years.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Djibouti launches a crackdown on migrants
21/05/2025 Duración: 29minWhy is Djibouti reportedly targeting Somalis and Ethiopians in a major anti-immigration crackdown?Can DR Congo's former President Joseph Kabila's immunity from prosecution be lifted by authorities?And what is driving the loss of Africa’s tropical forests?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Blessing Aderogba Technical producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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South Sudan: A country constantly in crisis
20/05/2025 Duración: 32minThere are concerns that South Sudan will relapse into an all-out civil war. But, why is peace in the world's youngest democracy so fragile? Also, what some young Africans think about the UK's tightening immigration policies.And how a swimming coach in Nigeria is providing inspiration and life lessons to children with disabilities.Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Blessing Aderogba and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editiors: Andre Lombard and Andre Muthengi
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Child sex abuse uncovered in South Africa's illegal mines
19/05/2025 Duración: 26minA BBC investigation has found evidence that children are being trafficked into illegal mines and sexually abused across South Africa. Were assets of the Gambia's ex-leader Yahya Jammeh sold for a song?And a landmark ruling in Nigeria finds that the Football Federation's negligence contributed to the death of a footballerPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Why is Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traoré 'popular'
16/05/2025 Duración: 37minBurkina Faso's military ruler, 37 year old Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has skilfully built a persona of a pan-Africanist leader, determined to free his nation from what he sees as, 'the clutches of Western imperialism and neo-colonialism'. This message has resonated across Africa and beyond on social media. But what's fact and what's fiction? Why has Ethiopia's government banned the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from taking part in elections? And Benin's bid to become Africa's cycling superpower. Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
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Mali’s junta dissolves all political parties
15/05/2025 Duración: 27minMali's military junta has dissolved all political parties in the country. Why are the youth dissenting?Why are Nigerians being trafficked to Ivory Coast?And plans by Ethiopia to allow foreigners and companies to buy property in the countryPresenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Nyasha Michelle and Tom Kavanagh in London, Richard Kagoe and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi