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 solar power fix South Africa's electricity problems?
How young people in South Africa are navigating the lack of consistent power supplies Who are the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and why are Uganda and the DR Congo governments struggling to defeat them? And the taxes, charges and fees paralyzing air travel in Africa Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette…
Why Burkina Faso discarded its Electoral Commission
Burkina Faso's military rulers have disbanded the country's electoral commission calling it a waste of money. The government says the interior ministry will handle elections in the future. Will this move by the ruling junta further delay democratic elections? Hundreds of thousands of premature deaths occur each year in Africa…
Sudan: Why North Kordofan is being targeted?
Sudan: More than 450 civilians have been killed in recent attacks in North Kordofan . Why is the RSF paramilitary increasingly targeting the state? The kingdom of Lesotho recently declared a 'State of disaster'-What can youth facing unemployment do ? And how sinkholes in South Africa are affecting people's lives…
Cameroon's president seeks re-election at age 92
Cameroon's Paul Biya has the distinction of being 'the world's oldest sitting president' and yet at age 92, he is seeking to run for an eighth term, that will see him serve until he is almost 100 years old. How much popular support does he have, and how strong is…
Kenyan protests: Impact on mental health
Gen Z’s have largely led opposition street protests in Kenya. However, it's taking a toll on their mental health. We talk to an activist and a psychiatrist on how to cope. Why was a French sports journalist recently sentenced to 7 years in jail in Algeria? Was it for talking…
US deportees causing concern in South Sudan
Residents of South Sudan's capital Juba have voiced concern for their safety after the arrival of eight deportees from the United States. The Trump administration have described them as ‘violent criminals’. Who are these men, what did they do and how did they end up in South Sudan? Also, another…
Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari dead
Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has died at 82. He was a two-time leader who first led Africa's most populous country as a military ruler, then later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. What will be his legacy and how will he be remembered? What's the truth…
DRC: Inside a mine controlled by M23
A recent US-brokered peace deal may have raised hopes of stability in eastern DRC. However, miners have told the BBC that M23’s control of mineral-rich areas could keep the conflict going. US aid cuts are forcing HIV clinics across Africa to shut down, with South Africa hit hardest. Experts are…
US slaps 30% tariff on South Africa
Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
Ghanaians lured into football job scam
Ghanaian authorities have rescued more than 70 young men from a trafficking ring in Nigeria. The men thought they were heading for football contracts or overseas opportunities. Why has football become a gateway for trafficking? Leaders from five African countries - Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal - have been…
First malaria drug for infants approved
The first malaria medicine suitable for babies and very young children is approved for use. How increased taxes on remittances from USA could hurt Africa. Plus, a new tool to help children with communication impairments. Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Stefania Okereke in London, Blessing Aderogba in Lagos…
How is Kenya marking the Saba Saba protests?
Two people have reportedly died of gunshot wounds after police opened fire during protests in Kenya. It's the latest in a wave of anti-government rallies that began last year. The demonstrations mark the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests that launched Kenya's push for multiparty democracy. Security forces…
Nigeria's new opposition alliance to challenge Tinubu
Starting pistol fired ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections. Two main opposition leaders form alliance in bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party. We meet a Kenyan breastmilk champion -who is donating litres of breast milk to families in need. Plus, what are natural assets and why do…
Militant attacks increase in Mali
Jihadist militants have launched a series of simultaneous attacks on military posts across numerous towns in Mali. It's the third major assault on Mali's army over the last month. Why is there an increase in these attacks, and what's the impact on neighbouring countries? Also, the kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria…
DRC children fathered by UN peacekeepers
Mothers in the DRC struggling to raise children fathered and abandoned by UN peacekeepers amid fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also in the programme: we ask South Africa's minister of police whether he's lost control of the spiralling gang violence in Cape Town. And the rising wave of…
Why has polio re-emerged in Angola?
Angola was certified as polio-free in 2015, but is now combatting a new outbreak of the disease after several cases were reported in a Western province. What has caused the virus to come back? A new report says Islamist militants are using Starlink technology to ramp up operational capabilities in…
Deaths after anti-government protests in Togo
At least seven people reportedly killed, and many others wounded during recent anti-government protests in Togo’s capital Lome. The Togolese government denies the allegations. Who is Victoire Ingabire and why has the Rwandan government locked her up again? Plus, a look ahead to the Women's African Cup of Nations in…
A rise in child abductions in Mozambique
Civil organisations in Mozambique say at least 120 children have been kidnapped by insurgents in the north of the country. The Human Rights Watch group warn of a rise in abductions in the country's troubled nothern province of Cabo Delgado. The children are reportedly being used by Al-Shabab, an insurgent…
Youth-led protests erupt in Kenya
People from Kenya’s growing Gen Z movement hold protests demanding justice and police accountability. We ask whether the police is acting on behalf of the Kenyan government. The protests marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations. Also in the programme: a quarter of a century after their land…
Chad: A rise in intercommunal violence
A new bout of intercommunal violence in Chad, has left more than 40 people dead, according to the Chadian Government. This includes women and children. What's behind the recent rise in violence? Also, the border town of Zalambesa re-opened after years of tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Will it stay…