Africa Today
Africa news and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast contains the day's top stories from African news - available to download Monday to Friday from 1630 GMT.
Can Johannesburg reclaim 'hijacked' buildings?
The South African city of Johannesburg has well over 100 abandoned and derelict buildings plagued by rubbish and open sewage and some have been taken over by criminal gangs. Many are also home to some of the city's most vulnerable residents. As Johannesburg gears up to host leaders from the…
What will COP30 change for Africa?What will COP30 change for Africa?
What can Africa expect from the COP 30 climate conference? Sudan's paramilitary RSF agrees to a humanitarian ceasefire, but the government wants guarantees from the international community And why are marginalised cultures being celebrated during Fashion Week in Namibia? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tanya Hines and Yvette Twagiramariya in London…
Nigeria pushes back on “Christian genocide” claims
Nigeria rejects claims of a “Christian genocide,” saying violence stems from terrorism and land disputes, not religion, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered attacks. Some Christian leaders however say there have been instances of Christians being specifically targeted. Also in the programme: Malaria elimination is stalling in southern…
Nigeria : Was there an alleged coup plot?
The arrest of senior Nigerian military officers and the sacking of security officials fuels speculation of an alleged coup Ugandan born Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral election Plus the AI aunty helping to fight gender based violence. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Todah Opeyemi in Lagos. Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita…
After the oath, can Tanzania heal its divisions?
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in after the deadly protests that followed her election victory. Can she use her second term to unite the country? At least 40 people have died in multiple landslides that struck Kenya and Uganda's mountainous border region in the Great Rift…
South Africa’s expropriation test case
South Africa's municipality of Ekurhuleni's attempt to expropriate land without compensation is under mediation after the private owners of the land sought compensation. The outcome of this landmark case will shape the future of land ownership and property rights across South Africa. Why illegal mining is a public health concern…
Women in Kenya are facing increasing online abuse, says new report
New research reveals how digital platforms are being weaponised to abuse and exploit women in Kenya. We hear from a victim of online sexual abuse who gives a harrowing account of her experience, and also speak to a Digital Rights adviser on what needs to be done to protect women…
The Gambia: Can ex-President Jammeh return home?
Why has the Gambian government issued a strong warning to ex -President Yahya Jammeh following his announcing plans to return from 9 years in exile?. Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso removed from a global money-laundering watchlist. How can they benefit? And how years of drought is…
Kenyan authorities seize a tonne of methamphetamine
Authorities in Kenya intercept more than a tonne of methamphetamine in the Indian Ocean as part of the country's ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking and addiction Thousands of Tunisians protest in the southern city of Gabes, calling for a chemical plant to be shut down because they say it's ruining…
Will el-Fasher's fall change Sudan?
As the strategic city of el-Fasher finally falls to the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, we analyse what it means in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. How the world’s oldest president, Paul Biya of Cameroon, is set to change things as he wins a disputed eighth term that could keep him…
Tanzanian elections: What issues are young people concerned about?
As Tanzania gears up for elections on 29 October, we hear from two young people about the issues that matter to them and whether youth concerns have been featured in the electoral campaigns. How a young Senegalese footballer's dream of joining a professional club ended in tragedy after he was…
The landmark event in Manchester that changed Africa
We mark the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress- a landmark event in Manchester, England that changed Africa Why people with albinism in Tanzania face rising fear ahead of elections The plight of Cameroon's female gold miners Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette…
Hundreds of stolen social media identities used to spread propaganda
A BBC investigation uncovers dozens of social accounts using stolen identities of Somali and Muslim influencers and posting political propaganda content. We hear more about what was uncovered and who might be behind this widespread operation. Chad’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a controversial constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits. What…
Drone attack on Sudan's Khartoum Airport
Sudan war: Can Khartoum airport reopen just hours after a drone attack? 15 years after Boko Haram militancy started, why does a jihadist threat still remain in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state Ivory Coast: With the main opposition candidates barred from running, is President Alassane Ouattara set for a controversial fourth…
Can DRC be declared ebola free?
The last ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been released from a treatment centre in Kasai province. Can the country now be declared free of this latest outbreak? What is behind the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea over control of the Red Sea? And we…
Who is Madagascar’s new military leader?
Can Madagascar's new president, Col Randrianirina, deliver change demanded by Gen Z Mada? Are West Africa’s illicit economies fueling the region’s wars and causing instability ? And a look at plans by the WHO to integrate traditional and modern medicine. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke…
Bonus: Death in Dubai from World of Secrets
Monic dreams of leaving her home in rural Uganda for a different life. So when a “friend” promises her a job in Dubai, it feels like the chance she’s been waiting for. Monic is elated, she is the first of her 11 siblings to travel abroad. But just a few…
Nigeria's presidential pardons spark controversy
Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu pardons many individuals-some posthumously. How were the decisions arrived at? Why are marriages and births declining in Tunisia? And are journalists in Tanzania exercising a lot of caution ahead of the general elections? Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne…
What led to the downfall of Madagascar's president
An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests. Where did it all go wrong for the entrepreneur and former DJ, who first became president in 2009 when he was just 34. Being a park ranger in Africa can…
Cape Verde’s football team make history
Cape Verde have become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup-how did they do it? What was Egypt's role in mediating the deal to end the Gaza war? And how did The UAE became one of the biggest state investors in Africa? Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar,…