417 episodes

Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

Focus on Africa BBC Podcasts

    • News
    • 4.5 • 344 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Does Africa need a rethink on tackling violent extremisim?

    Does Africa need a rethink on tackling violent extremisim?

    African leaders meeting at a security summit in Nigeria says the continent needs a new plan to tackle violent extremism. The two-day counter-terrorism summit, supported by the United Nations, was also attended by African Union Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat What are the challenges facing the continent and how can it be tackled?
    Also why is so little money spent on healthcare in Africa?
    And a plan to save the South African rhino as poaching numbers rise.
    Presenter: Audrey Brown
    Producers: Bella Hassan and Charles Gitonga
    Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer
    Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
    Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    • 34 min
    What does the Rwanda Bill mean for Africa?

    What does the Rwanda Bill mean for Africa?

    The UK parliament has passed the Rwanda asylum law. People arriving on small boats can have their asylum claims processed in Rwanda. When is this likely to take place and why is it of global significance?
    Why is Zimbabwe's newly introduced gold-backed currency already on the decline?
    And a strong caution about harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers.
    Presenter: Audrey Brown
    Producers:Richard Kagoe, Patricia Whitehorne, Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga
    Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    • 32 min
    What threat do autonomous weapons pose to West African countries?

    What threat do autonomous weapons pose to West African countries?

    Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has urged regional leaders to forge common understanding and develop strategies to address the challenges posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems. What are autonomous weapons and what sort of threat do they pose to West African countries?
    Also how the remains of thousands of enslaved Africans on St Helena is reconnecting this island to the rest of the world.
    And the Nigerian artist causing outrage with his depictions of black people. What's behind his depiction and why is he doing it?
    Presenter: Audrey Brown
    Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Patricia Whitehorne
    Technical Producer: Jonny Hall
    Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
    Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    • 38 min
    What's behind the recent clashes in Ethiopia?

    What's behind the recent clashes in Ethiopia?

    There have been heavy clashes between Amhara and Tigray in Ethiopia over disputed territory, according to reports. What's going on and how will it impact the country?
    Also why did the popular Nigerian preacher, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, spread anti-vaccine messages to his followers?
    And as the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, can an African country host the games?
    Presenter: Richard Kagoe
    Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga
    Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    • 27 min
    A multi-million dollar pledge for Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. Will it be enough?

    A multi-million dollar pledge for Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. Will it be enough?

    The United Nations received financial pledges of just over six hundred million dollars to help with Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. It fell short of the one billion dollars the UN was seeking. Around 15 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in the country. Is the amount pledged enough and how will the funds be distributed?
    Also why is gambling on the rise on the continent, attracting young people?
    And why is South Africa installing the continent's biggest battery and how will it work?
    Presenter: Richard Kagoe
    Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Charles Gitonga
    Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
    Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp
    Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    • 27 min
    Are pharmacies in Liberia selling stolen medicine?

    Are pharmacies in Liberia selling stolen medicine?

    The USAid Mission Director to Liberia Jim Wright has alleged that around 90% of pharmacies in the country are selling stolen medicine, donated by aid organisations. What's going on?
    Cattle rustling and banditry in northern Kenya is on the increase. What can be done to prevent this from happening?
    And a group of women accused of booing the Zimbabwean First Lady, Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, have been freed. We hear from the lawyer who represented them in court.
    Presenter:Richard Kagoe
    Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Daniel Dadzie, Bella Hassan, Nyasha Michelle and Paul Bakibinga
    Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
344 Ratings

344 Ratings

CFWyatt ,

Yes Please

Yes, please do a story on the witchcraft camps. I am learning so much from your broadcast and have followed you here from Africa Today. Thank you! - Carol from Texas

lekkersoosafirecracker ,

Bring back Africa Today

I used to listen daily to Africa Today….it was so informative and I learnt so much about the whole continent. This current format is a real disappointment. It’s a longer version of Africa Daily with Alan Kasujja, and really, he can’t be beat. Go back to Africa Today, and I will listen daily, instead of once in a long while.

sciencepyar ,

Please go back to previous Africa today 😭

I’ve listened since 2016, I loved learning about elections and other issues effecting Africans inside Africa. Now the quality and format has completely changed. I stopped subscribing

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