Afleveringen
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The Algerian government has said that six people have died in wildfires in several provinces in recent days, as a deadly heatwave ravages the country. Officials have also instructed provincial governors to carry out comprehensive assessments of the damage to help guide future compensation for affected communities. The fires come as several Mediterranean countries, including France and Italy, are struggling with severe wildfires driven by extreme summer temperatures. Since the beginning of July, civil defence teams have responded to nearly 1,500 wildfires nationwide, more than double the number reported during the previous year. Also, a new Google Trends report shows more Nigerian youth are using AI to learn foreign languages such as French and German, as well as sign language.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producers: Caroline Mwangi and Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: Maxwell OnyangoEditors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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Kenyan authorities have denied reports that seven aid workers are quarantined in an Ebola facility in Central Kenya. Members of the public and civil society groups have raised concerns following reports that the aid workers who worked at Ebola health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are quarantined at a US military base in the country.
And, we shed the spotlight on foundational learning in Africa. According to UNICEF, four out of five children across Africa are unable to read or understand a simple sentence by the age of 10.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producers: Caroline Mwangi and Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: Maxwell OnyangoEditors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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Every year, July 18 is marked as the Nelson Mandela International Day. It is a moment not only to celebrate the life of South Africa's first democratically elected president, but also to reflect on the values he championed which include justice, reconciliation and service to humanity. This year's commemorations included a live concert at London's Trafalgar Square, where artists gathered to honour the man affectionately known as Madiba. We speak to South African musician Asanda Mvana, better known as Msaki, about the role music can play in preserving Nelson Mandela's legacy as well as South Africa's minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
And how do scientists go about discovering new species of animals? We hear from Junior Amboko, the scientist who named the recently discovered species of monkey in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Victor Chege, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producers: Caroline Mwangi and Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: Maxwell OnyangoEditors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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You may have heard about South Africa’s viral Netflix show, The Polygamist. The series has been trending across the continent, sparking conversations about relationships, marriage and fidelity.Now, according to the Pew Research Center, a US-based think tank, only around 2% of the world's population lives in polygamous households. However, the practice is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 11% of people are part of polygamous families.
So, what is it really like to be in a polygamous marriage, and why do some people choose this way of life? We hear from Takid Master, his first wife, Cecilia, and his second wife, Mariam, about how their relationship works.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Bella Twine Senior Producers: Priya Sippy and Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: David NzauEditors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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Sierra Leone's government has dropped its charges, including treason, against ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was arrested in connection with an attempted coup nearly three years ago. The charges had been dropped on health grounds, Information Minister Chernor Bah told the BBC. The 72-year-old former president has always denied involvement in the November 2023 attempted coup when gunmen broke into a military armoury and several prisons, freeing almost 2,000 inmates. We hear what this move means for the country's politics.
And how female sports commentators are excelling in a male dominated field while using local languages to bring the World Cup closer to African audiences.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: David Nzau Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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Days after the rescue of 48 school children and their teachers from kidnappers in Nigeria's Southwest Oyo State, authorities call for investigations into the abductions and the release. We hear from the families of the victims.
And Somalia cites insecurity and money laundering in a bid to oppose the roll out a new WhatsApp feature that will allow users to utilise usernames instead of registered phone numbers.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Priya SippySenior Producer: Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: David Nzau Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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A Sudanese court has sentenced the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo - known as Hemedti - to death for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over atrocities committed in the West Darfur region. Hemedti, along with 15 other senior RSF leaders were sentenced in absentia. We look at what this means for the RSF and its three-year civil war with the Sudan Armed Forces.
And in Kenya, whistleblowers are tipping off police, helping authorities intervene before girls undergo female genital mutilation.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: David Nzau Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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Once the target of an assassination attempt, Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu is now behind bars awaiting trial for treason. His case has become a test of political freedoms in the country and drawn international attention. BBC Africa Eye has now spoken exclusively to Lissu's wife, Alicia Magabe, about the toll his incarceration has taken on his family.
And Lesotho's women are highly educated, but many are still being left behind in the workplace and in leadership. We ask why.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Ayuba Iliya and Bella Twine Senior Producer: Charles GitongaTechnical Producer: David Nzau Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla
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Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, affects an estimated 160 million people worldwide. Some forms of the condition disproportionately affect black women, due to a combination of factors including hairstyles that place tension on the hair, as well as genetic and hormonal influences. Now, some dermatologists are also saying they're seeing more cases, particularly among younger people. Meanwhile, researchers in Japan have hinted at potential new treatments for hair loss. Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to 23-year-old Sharon Chepkoech, known online as Kechi, from Kenya, and 47-old-year Mpume Dlamini from South Africa about their experience of living with alopecia and how they are using social media to raise awareness of the condition.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Keikantse ShumbaSenior Producer: Priya Sippy and Bella Twine Technical Producer: Jonathan MwangiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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A compliant submitted by the Nigerian Press Organisation, which represents newspaper owners, journalists’ unions, broadcasters and online publishers, has prompted the country's President Bola Tinubu to issue an investigation by the country's competition regulator into major technology companies over alleged anti-competitive practices and unauthorised use of news content. Growing influence of big-tech companies in Africa has sparked concerns over dominance in digital advertising, the use of news content without fair compensation, algorithms that control what people see, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and copyright.
Also, we take a look at a new Malawian National Action Plan that seeks to improve the rights of people with albinism in the workplace. We hear from Malawi's Bonface Massah, head of the Africa Albinism Network, who also lives with albinism.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Ayuba Illya, Helen Oyibo and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: Jonathan MwangiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Denis Brown has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's besieged city of El-Obeid is worsening as fighting and a blockade by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue. He says repeated drone strikes have hit power stations and water facilities, leaving civilians without essential services. The UN Human Rights Council has also ordered an urgent investigation into alleged crimes committed during the fighting in Sudan’s El-Obeid amid growing fears that violence in the city could escalate into mass atrocities.
Also, at least 400 dogs have been killed in the Ethiopian town of Hossana after rabies related complications killed three children and left dozens of others in hospital, sparking outrage among dog owners. We hear from those impacted.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Illya and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: Jonathan MwangiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Senate adopted a constitutional revision bill in June, which has raised fierce controversy as it would effectively reset presidential term limits. The legislation paves the way for a public vote on a new constitution. Under this proposal, President Félix Tshisekedi's previous terms in office would be discounted, essentially allowing him to seek a third term as if it were his first. A planned demonstration against the constitutional changes has now been postponed until July 22nd following a mediation led by Burundian President and African Union Chairperson, Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Also, what does the growing trend of AI use mean for Africa's animation film? We speak to creative director and animator, Chief David Nyamyweya.
Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Ayuba Iliya and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: Jonathan MwangiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: Jonathan MwangiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shuma, Fana Negash and Carolyne KiamboSenior Producers: Bella Twine and Priya SippyTechnical Producers: David KinyanjuiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing AderogbaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: David KinyanjuiEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba IliyaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: Maxwell OnyangoEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba IliyaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: David Kinyanjui Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba IllyaSenior Producer: Bella TwineTechnical Producer: David Kinyanjui Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Fana Negash, Bella Twine, and Daniel DadzieSenior Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rhoda Odhiambo, and Carolyne JothamTechnical Producer: Herbert Masua Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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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 OgbonnaProducers: Blessing AderogbaTechnical Producer: Herbert MasuaSenior Producer: Keikantse ShumbaEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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