Focus on Africa

BBC

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News
Updated twice weekly

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

6 hr ago

Africa's last teams standing at the World Cup

All but two African teams have been eliminated from the World Cup. Out of the 10 African teams participating when the tournament kicked off in the US, Canada and Mexico, Egypt is at the round of 16, preparing to face Argentina. Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals having defeated Canada. And it's the rainy season in West Africa, and recent flooding has caused more than 78 deaths in cities in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. We explore the impact of climate disasters on mental health. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Bella Twine Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
3 days ago

Solo-maxxing: are people opting out of dating?

Have you heard of solo-maxxing, or "by yourself maxxing"? It's a social media trend in which young people are embracing single life by opting out of dating and choosing to spend more time on their own. Instead, they're prioritising personal wealth, career growth and emotional independence. So, what's driving this trend? Is it a new kind of freedom, or are young people giving up on dating altogether? BBC Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Kenyan content creator Chantelle Petit and British Somali podcaster Ahmendur Hirad about their solo-maxxing journeys, the motivations behind their choices, and the challenges they've faced along the way. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shuma, Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Priya Sippy Technical Producers: David Kinyanjui Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
4 days ago

Rights group accuses RSF of crimes against humanity in Sudan

Rights group, Amnesty International, says it documented the use of ethnic slurs during attacks on non-Arab communities, which the organisation says points to ethnic persecution. The report says the crimes were committed by paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces - RSF - during the group's offensive on the city of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur region last year. The report shows children were among the hardest hit and that hundreds of thousands have been displaced, many repeatedly exposed to attacks while fleeing, and others orphaned, abducted or forcibly recruited. And, what investments are urgently needed to unlock the full potential of Africa's entertainment industry? We speak to creative entertainment couple Darey Art Alade and Deola Art Alade. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Bella Twine Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
5 days ago

What next after South Africa anti-migrant protests?

South Africa on June 30 saw protests across different parts of the country. The demonstrators called for undocumented migrants to return to their home countries. While several African countries have repatriated their nationals from the country, many more are believed to still be residing in South Africa. We look at what's next for them and the country. And, in Tanzania, an indigenous tribe called the Hadzabe, one of Africa's oldest hunter-gatherer communities are preserving their knowledge using a CyberTracker app. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Bella Twine Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
6 days ago

Tanzania strengthens border surveillance against Ebola

As neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo battle the Ebola outbreak, Tanzanian authorities say they're taking no chances. From screening travellers at border crossings to training frontline health workers, officials insist they're ready if the virus crosses into the country. But along the vast Lake Tanganyika shoreline, concerns remain over unofficial border crossings. And, at the 2026 World Cup, only eight of the 48 teams have squads made up entirely of home-born players. We explore how migration, identity and family ties are reshaping international football. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Bella Twine Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
29 Jun

Inside the temporary immigrant camps in South Africa

Tuesday, June 30, is the unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant protestors for unregistered African nationals to leave South Africa. March and March movement, a group opposed to illegal migration, is expected to stage what they call “a national shutdown” following its demand for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Ahead of the nationwide protests, we hear from African nationals at a temporary camp in Durban waiting to be repatriated to their home countries. Also, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announce plans for a regional news agency. We look into what the move means for information control and accountability. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Illya Senior Producer: Bella Twine Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
26 Jun

Why are Kenyan Gen Z’s still protesting?

June 25 marks a turning point in Kenya’s history. What started in 2024 as youth-led protests against the Finance Bill grew into nationwide demonstrations. Led largely by Gen Z, protesters demanded justice for the fallen, an end to corruption, and real economic change. More than 60 lives were lost in the historic anti-tax protests. In this episode we sit down with BBC reporters Akisa Wandera and Thomas Mukhwana. They break down why this leaderless youth movement refuses to back down and what this means for the future of Kenya. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Bella Twine, and Daniel Dadzie Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rhoda Odhiambo, and Carolyne Jotham Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min
25 Jun

Lenacapavir offering new hope for HIV prevention?

The United Nations has warned that nearly three million children could contract HIV by 2040, with more than half at risk of dying from AIDS-related illnesses if prevention and treatment efforts are not significantly expanded. The agency says the overwhelming majority of these infections are expected to occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where young people remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Amid these concerns, a major scientific breakthrough is offering new hope. Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered just twice a year, is being hailed as a potential game-changer, particularly for young people and others who struggle to adhere to daily prevention pills. In United States, Minnesota , the fentanyl epidemic continues to devastate families and communities, with overdose deaths leaving a lasting toll. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

23 min

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