Podcast · News

Focus on Africa

by BBC World Service · English · News

Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the news from Africa. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna.

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 23 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 23 minNew

How Kabila's rebel coalition impacts DRC peace efforts

Former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has been named the head of a new political and military alliance that includes M23 rebels, who control vast swathes of Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN movement says it wants to remove the government of President Félix Tshisekedi. M23 leader Sultani Makenga will serve as one of Kabila's four deputies in the new movement. The other three also come from the AFC-M23 alliance. And across Africa, the death penalty debate continues, with some countries moving towards abolition while…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

13 Oct 2026 · 23 minNew
Djibouti shipwreck survivors recount ordeal
Survivors of the boat accident where 139 migrants died off the coast of Djibouti have recounted their ordeals to the BBC. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that among those died were 15 children, marking one of the deadliest shipwrecks ever recorded on the Eastern Migration Route. The vessel was carrying 305 people, most of them Ethiopians, heading from Djibouti to Yemen. And, community safe spaces are providing critical support to help young people manage the mental stress associated with HIV, teenage pregnancy, and other structural challenges. Presenter: Blessing…
12 Oct 2026 · 23 minNew
Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay speaks to the BBC
Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay has defended international justice institutions and responded to criticism from US President Donald Trump, saying the true measure of justice lies in what it means to victims of conflict and atrocities. Trump described this year's Nobel Peace Prize decision as "disgraceful" and "embarrassing," and said he had never heard of the South African jurist. In an interview with the BBC, Pillay reflects on her lifelong commitment to human rights, justice, equality, and international law. And, BBC Eye investigates how three mourners were shot and killed at a Kenyan…
9 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Is remote working really the dream?
For many young Africans, working remotely for an international company sounds like the dream: no daily commute, greater flexibility and, in some cases, the chance to earn in foreign currencies. But is remote working as liberating as it seems? What are the challenges of trading the traditional 9-to-5 for a job that can be done from anywhere? Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 29-year-old Joy Aliba from Uganda and 34-year-old Mary Usaji from Kenya, who both left their traditional office jobs for remote work. They share what prompted the change, how it has transformed their working lives, and whether the…
8 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Search operations continue after Nigeria plane crash
Thursday marks the end of the three-day national mourning period in Nigeria after a military aircraft crashed in Southwest Ondo state, killing all 25 people on board. Analysts have said it is the country’s deadliest military air disaster since 1992. We hear from witnesses, and our reporter who was at the scene. And a new generation of African travel creators are using social media to show global audiences the continent's beauty through food, fashion, scenery and culture. We speak to a young Liberian creator about why she's on this journey. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Victor Chege,…
7 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Ebola reaches Kenya. What's the response?
Kenya has allocated $538 million to its Ebola response after confirming the country’s first case, linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The money will support efforts to prevent further spread as health authorities step up surveillance and contact tracing. We look at whether Kenya and its neighbours are prepared as transmission continues in eastern DRC. In Liberia, hundreds of chimpanzees used in decades of medical experiments were left behind after the research ended. We look at what happens to lab animals when scientists no longer need them. Presenter:…
6 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Burkina Faso opens landmark gold refinery
Burkina Faso's military-led government has opened a gold refinery in a bid to tighten its grip on one of the country's most important industries. The $19 million facility known as Raffinor-BF is financed by the state, including through the National Precious Metals Company (Sonasp), in partnership with Burkina Faso's private sector. The plant will initially be capable of refining 164 tonnes of gold a year, significantly more than the country's current annual production. And in Ghana, authorities are enforcing a long-ignored ban on preaching in moving commercial vehicles, with offenders facing…
5 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Ethiopia conflict stirs regional tensions
Forces aligned to Ethiopia's national army have taken control of Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region. This came after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a movement opposing the federal government, withdrew from the capital, days after they had seized control of its main airport. Mobile and banking services apppear to have resumed in some parts of the city after internet disruptions in September. The conflict has also led to a diplomatic standoff between Ethiopia and its neighbours, Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan. And, scientists studying a species of primates only found in…
2 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Where are Eritrea’s missing political prisoners?
Twenty-five years ago, a group of senior Eritrean politicians known as the G-15 called for democratic reform. Eleven were arrested and accused of treason. They have never been put on trial, and their families still do not know where they are. Human rights groups, including the UN, consider the G-15, prisoners of conscience and have been calling for their release. Among the detained was former defence and foreign minister, Petros Solomon. Two years later, his wife, Asther Yohannes, was also arrested. Focus on Africa host, Nkechi Ogbonna, has been speaking to their daughter, Hanna Petros…
1 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Who is Morocco's first woman prime minister?
Fatima Zahra El Mansouri has been named Morocco's first female prime minister, after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (Pam) won the most seats in last week's parliamentary elections. The party secured 97 of the 395 seats in the lower house of parliament, short of an outright majority, which means El Mansouri’s first task will be to build a governing coalition. Speaking at the royal palace after her appointment by King Mohammed VI, El Mansouri described the moment as historic and said it was a source of pride for Moroccan women. And as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence on October 1,…
30 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Nigeria's Dangote Kenya refinery breaks ground
Kenya has broken the ground for a new oil refinery backed by Nigerian industrialist and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. The 700,000 barrels per day refinery is believed to be a gamechanger in the energy security and stability of petroleum supply in the East African region. The construction of the $16bn dollar oil refinery in Lamu, coastal Kenya is expected to create about 60,000 jobs and be completed within three years. It hopes to provide 1,000 megawatts of power generation, twice the capacity of his Lagos refinery, serving the needs of the Lamu refinery and beyond. And we hear from…
29 Sep 2026 · 23 min
South Africa reels from spate of mass shootings
South Africa is reeling from a series of mass shootings that have left dozens of people dead in less than a week near three of South Africa's biggest cities. One attack happened on Saturday evening when eight gunmen stormed a bar near Johannesburg and opened fire on customers killing 18 people. A few hour later, 10 people were killed in a separate shooting outside an entertainment venue near Cape Town. Police say while robbery appears to be a primary motive, they have not ruled out turf wars between illegal mining groups. And one man is making school desks out of plastic bags to help address…
28 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Ethiopia accuses Sudan, Eritrea of backing armed groups
As heavy fighting resumes between a coalition of armed opposition forces and Ethiopia's federal government, the country's army commander has accused Sudan and Eritrea of backing the rebel groups. Sudan has denied the claimes and described them as baseless. In Tigray, where a deadly war ended in 2022, the regional state broadcaster, Tigray TV went off air on Sunday. Privately-owned news outlet Zara Media Network reported that the station was hit by a drone strike by the federal military. And a new king is set to be crowned in Uganda's Tooro Kingdom on Tuesday, following the death of King Oyo…
25 Sep 2026 · 23 min
JAPA: Does migrating pay off?
For millions of young Africans, leaving home in search of better opportunities has become an increasingly attractive option. A recent Afrobarometer survey across 38 African countries found that 55% of young people aged 18–35 have considered emigrating. Roughly 22% would prefer to remain somewhere in Africa, while 60% favour Europe or North America. Among those considering leaving, better work opportunities are the leading motivation, but is this merely about better work opportunities and what would make young Africans stay? Host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to Oluwaseyi Makinde, who moved from…
24 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Ethiopia Tigray fighting sparks fears of new war
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia between Tigrayan forces and the national army is threatening a return to civil war after four years of peace. On Thursday, The Ethiopian National Defense Force siad it had killed hundrends of Tigray fighters and captured a large number of others. The military described its activity as a counter-attack. Fighting is also escalating in Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia. We hear from a resident in Mekelle, Tigray's capital and what this means for the peace and stability of the country. And New York is hosting world leaders for the UN General Assembly. We…
23 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Chad faces growing Sudan refugee burden
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR says Chad is now hosting around 1.5 million refugees and asylum-seekers from Sudan. And despite the war entering its fourth year, the flow of people has not stopped. More than 50,000 of them have arrived in Eastern Chad this year alone. We speak with Mamadou Dian Baldé, UNHCR's Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa who recently visited some of the refugee camps in the region. And, September 23 is the International Day of Sign Languages. We look at the role of AI in advancing access to information and education for deaf communities. Presenter: Nkechi…
22 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Nigeria probes the deaths of miners in custody
BBC reporter Madina Maishanu takes us inside the cells where 37 artisanal miners died last week. Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says a panel investigating the deaths in Niger State will examine the circumstances of their arrest, detention and whether they were tortured or denied medical care. And, from underground beats to international stages, Morocco’s urban music is going global. We explore the significance of Casablanca’s L’Boulevard festival. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Bella Twine Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Charles…
21 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Gambia in crisis as blackouts persist
For months now, power blackouts have been disrupting life and business for thousands of people in Gambia. The crisis has recently sparked protests in the capital Banjul and surrounding areas and at least 20 people have been arrested. The country's main power provider, NAWEC, says the outage is the result of rising demand, limits on electricity imports, and technical challenges. As public frustration grows, President Adama Barrow who is seeking a controversial third term in the December elections, has pledged improvements in coming months. We hear from those affected. And a new study suggests…
18 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Is Nigeria ready for a female leader?
In January 2027, Nigeria will be heading to the polls. But there’s one thing still largely missing from the ballot, women. According to Nigerian civil society organisation, policy and legal advocacy centre, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of women’s political representation in the world. In fact, women make up less than 5% of members of parliament. And currently only 54 women hold positions across 990 seats in State Houses of Assembly, and 15 states have no female legislators at all. Focus on Africa host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to Ufuoma Nnamdi-Udeh, the Executive Director of Enough is…
17 Sep 2026 · 23 min
South Africa probes discovery of women bodies
South Africa has been shaken by a string of unexplained deaths, with nine women found dead in and around Kempton Park, northeast of Johannesburg, over the past two months. South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence, with women being killed at five times the global average, according to UN Women. The killings have reignited concerns about women's safety and intensified pressure on police to find answers. President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged that authorities will use every available resource to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. And we hear from…
16 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Thousands flee to Djibouti amid Yemeni fighting
More than 2,000 people have fled across the Red Sea into neighbouring Djibouti as fighting in Yemen escalates. The renewed conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has also displaced more than 100,000 people inside Yemen. Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels have seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast after fierce battles with government forces, tightening their hold on crucial shipping lanes. With thousands more seeking safety across the Red Sea. We take a closer look at the human cost of the conflict and why the latest developments matter for Africa. And…
15 Sep 2026 · 23 min
What does Dangote's IPO mean for young investors?
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has launched Africa's largest-ever share sale, offering a stake in his oil refinery to the general public. The initial public offering (IPO) covers roughly 3% of the Dangote Refinery and aims to raise $1.6 billion across Africa, targeting up to 10 million shareholders. Hours after the offer went live, several stockbroking applications reported downtime due to unusually heavy traffic from potential investors believed to be rushing to buy stakes in the company. We explore how young people across the continent are reacting and what this means for them. And…
14 Sep 2026 · 23 min
IMF talks amid Senegal debt crisis
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington this week as Senegal seeks a new IMF programme. Earlier, the government introduced measures aimed at easing the cost of living and reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on a new $2.2 billion, three-year lending programme to support economic and financial reforms. However, the deal still requires approval from the IMF Executive Board. Meanwhile, on the streets of Dakar, protesters are calling for lower prices on essential goods and services, including food,…
11 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Was my university degree worth it?
Earlier this year, a young Nigerian went viral after saying he would rather be a donkey in Malawi than a graduate in Nigeria. And he wasn't alone. Another young man made headlines after taking to the streets of Abuja with a placard declaring that he had a BA, MSc and PhD - but still couldn't find a job. Young Nigerians account for the largest share of the country's unemployed population and for many graduates earning a degree has not translated into finding a job. A recent report by ActionAid and Plan International put the number of unemployed young people at 80million, many of which have…
10 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Controversy Over Ugandan Kingdom's Royal Succession
A succession battle is intensifying in Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom ahead of the late king’s burial. Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been named the next monarch, but the decision is being challenged by members of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s immediate family, raising questions about the kingdom’s future leadership. And Ethiopia is preparing to welcome the year 2019 on September 11. On New Year's Eve, Ethiopians at home and across the world will celebrate Enkutatash, the start of a new year in the Ethiopian calendar. We explore the traditions and how the occasion is marked.…
9 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Is Cameroon doing enough on femicide?
The recent killing of eight women across Cameroon in a single week has sparked outrage and renewed calls for specific legislation to tackle gender-based violence. The country has been grappling with femicide in recent years, with human rights organisations accusing the government of not doing enough to protect women. We explore what's behind the violence and why activists are pushing for stronger protections for women. And a conversation about the challenges facing African and African-American talent in the global film industry, from stereotypes and typecasting to pay disparities and limited…
8 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Kenya gives foreign traders 90-day ultimatum
Undocumented foreign traders in Kenya have 90 days to legalise their status. This follows a directive from President William Ruto that they should not compete with Kenyans in small businesses. The trade ministry said some foreigners exploit visa rules to work in the country without the required permits. And in Sudan, we hear from a photographer who fled the violence in El-Fasher, a key city in Darfur, that is now under control by the Rapid Support Forces. He now lives in Tawila camp about 60km north of Darfur. For years, he documented the war. Now, his camera is chasing smiles despite the…
7 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Why maps make Africa smaller
The United Nations has endorsed a new map projection that more accurately represents Africa’s true size. The "Correct the Map" resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by African Union (AU) member states, was adopted with the support of 164 countries, including France and the United Kingdom. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six nations abstained. On this episode, we explore why this new map matters and what it reveals about Africa’s true scale. And Nigeria has one of the world's highest numbers of out-of-school children, with the UN estimating that 19 million…
4 Sep 2026 · 23 min
JZyNO on taking Liberia’s sound global
From selling charcoal, firewood and a popular West Africa staple food locally known as garri, to making waves on the global music scene. Liberian superstar JZyNO has come a long way. He started making music in Liberia before moving to Ghana to pursue his dreams, where he found a more developed music industry. In 2023, he broke onto the international scene with his hit single, Butta My Bread, which has amassed over 300 million views. He sat down with Focus on Africa to reflect on life since his breakout hit, his humble beginnings in Liberia, and what the country needs to do to produce more…
3 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Is Africa ready for a stronger El Niño?
From devastating floods in Nepal to growing weather concerns across Africa, extreme weather is once again putting communities at risk. The United Nations warns that up to 162 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa live in areas exposed to the impending El Niño weather event. Experts say it could be the strongest El Niño in more than 70 years, bringing the risk of intensifying drought, extreme heat and flooding. And we hear from a macro photographer who captures tiny insects in remarkable detail, in the environments they call home, to inspire people to care about their vital role in…

About Focus on Africa

Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the news from Africa. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna.

Focus on Africa is a English news podcast from BBC World Service. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC World Service
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 23 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id263570559
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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