Focus on Africa BBC Podcasts

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 diseases?
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Aime Liebowitz, Bella Hassan, Victor Sylver and Rob Wilson in London. Frenny Jowi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi.
Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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 Africa?
Also a recent strain of mpox in the DRC has been described as the "most dangerous yet". Another strain has been detected in South Africa. What do you need to know about the virus?
And what’s it like being queer in Nigeria?  The BBC is let into a secretly held event for Nigeria's LGBTQ+ community. 
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Victor Sylver, Amie Liebowitz, Bella Hassan and Sunita Nahar
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 solar panels can help Africa become more energy sufficient.
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Susan Gachuhi, Frenny Jowi, Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan, Nyasha Michelle and Patricia Whitehorne.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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 year's outbreak of cholera. Over 50 people have died from the disease.
And a new study in Sierra Leone says political discourse can have a devastating impact on mental health.
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Charles Gitonga, Sunita Nahar, Rob Wilson and Victor Sylver
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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 is now Malawi's new vice president?
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Rob Wilson, Frenny Jowi and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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?
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Rob Wilson, Susan Gachuhi, Bella Hassan and Nyasha Michelle
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard