Focus on Africa Podcast
Two 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 Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.
Episodes to download
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‘I was tricked into fighting for Russia’
Friday
Kenya says over 1,000 of its nationals are fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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Nigeria Senate passes controversial electoral law
Thursday
The law allows for manual transmission of election results if electronic methods fail
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What prompted weeks-long students protests in Senegal?
Wednesday
University students have been protesting over delays in allowances from government
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UN Women calls for ceasefire in Sudan
Tuesday
UN warns that women and children continue to be worst affected in Sudan conflict
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Investigation links Ethiopia to a secret camp for Sudan’s RSF
Last Monday
Reuters report exposes a secret RSF training camp in Ethiopia near the border with Sudan
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Are dating apps the answer to finding love?
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Around 350 million people worldwide are using dating apps to find love
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Senegal busts transnational child abuse network
Thu 12 Feb 2026
Fourteen people arrested and charged in a high profile child abuse case in Senegal
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Is the US deepening military cooperation with Africa?
Wed 11 Feb 2026
US Africa Command says most recruitment by Islamic State (IS) now happening in Africa
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Foot and Mouth Disease threatens South Africa's livestock
Tue 10 Feb 2026
Millions of livestock threatened by Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal
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US renews key trade pact with Africa
Mon 9 Feb 2026
US extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade deal for one year
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'I tied my tubes to stay child-free'
Fri 6 Feb 2026
Kenyan Naisula Sironka, 29, tells us about her decision to undergo tubal ligation.
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Why is Nigeria demolishing Lagos lagoon slum?
Thu 5 Feb 2026
Thousands stranded in Nigeria's largest floating slum as authorities demolish homes
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What is Russia's shadow fleet doing in African waters?
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Senegal probing a tanker carrying Russian oil after it was attacked off its coast
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What's fuelling renewed tensions in Ethiopia's Tigray?
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Tigray regional government accuses the Ethiopian army of killing civilians with drones
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BBC Africa Eye investigates Tanzania abductions
Mon 2 Feb 2026
Victims link a senior police officer to the abduction and torture of government critics
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Are beauty products serving black women?
Fri 30 Jan 2026
A recent study found that many products marketed for black women contain health hazards.
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Guinea-Bissau suspends US-backed hepatitis vaccine trial
Thu 29 Jan 2026
Guinea-Bissau suspends trial of hepatitis B vaccine for newborns amid ethical concerns
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Kenya, Botswana efforts against cervical cancer
Wed 28 Jan 2026
Kenya struggles to contain cervical cancer, while Botswana has low disease burden
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Egypt, Morocco join Trump's Board of Peace
Tue 27 Jan 2026
Morocco and Egypt are the only African countries invited to Trump's Board of Peace
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Ghana cocoa farmers decry delayed payments
Mon 26 Jan 2026
Nearly 1 million farmers decry late payment from state-owned Ghana Cocoa Board
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Are more women delaying motherhood?
Fri 23 Jan 2026
Across the world the average age of mothers is rising. What’s behind the trend?
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Jihadist attacks on the rise in the Sahel
Thu 22 Jan 2026
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali tri border area grapples with deadly attacks
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Who is "in charge" of Africa's AI?
Wed 21 Jan 2026
New report argues that AI self-sufficiency will be impossible for most African countries
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Global Initiative flags West Africa for cocaine trade
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Report says West Africa is a key trafficking route for cocaine destined for Europe
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AFCON's Over - what’s the main takeaway?
Mon 19 Jan 2026
AFCON ends amid drama - a look back at the tournament and lessons for African football
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"TikToking my way to millions"
Fri 16 Jan 2026
What does it take to succeed as a content creator in Africa?
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US, Russia, China influence in Africa?
Thu 15 Jan 2026
What’s driving the US, Russia and China to expand their influence in Africa?
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Somalia cancels UAE agreements over sovereignty
Wed 14 Jan 2026
Somalia ends UAE deals, including ports and defence, citing sovereignty concerns
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Uganda's Museveni seeks seventh Presidential term
Tue 13 Jan 2026
Ugandans prepare to vote as Museveni seeks another term.
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UN refugee chief responds to criticism
Mon 12 Jan 2026
New UN refugee agency head speaks on reform and funding
