AfricaLink
News, Analysis and Service from Germany and Europe - in 30 Languages
South Africa chokes in continent-leading air pollution
Greenpeace Africa says 42,000 South Africans died because of air pollution in 2023, and wants South African energy producers to be held to account. But how will the country balance environmental risks with its energy demands? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Greenpeace campaign lead Cynthia Moyo, and DW's Thuso Khumalo…
Child Labor Day: The plight of child laborers in Uganda
As the world marks World Day Against Child Labor, Uganda is grappling with millions of children trapped in child labor. Experts say laws protecting children from hazardous labor in sub-Saharan Africa are still poorly enforced and many communities are unaware of available support.
Kenya: Blogger's death in custody reignites protest fears
Kenyan President William Ruto has condemned the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. The case has sparked anger online and small protests at a tense moment for Kenya, which is marking a year since protests over tax rises and corruption that triggered a deadly police response.
The legacy of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu
Zambia is mourning the death of former president Edgar Lungu, who served from 2015-2021. Lungu died last Thursday in a hospital in South Africa at the age of 68. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Kelly Kaunda, who served at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin during President Edgar Lungu's rule, and…
Kidney disease on the rise in Nigeria
A surge in chronic kidney disease is alarming health officials in Nigeria. An increasing number of patients require dialysis and transplants, with the cause unknown. DW's Eddy Micah Jr talks to Dr. Goni Waru of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital Damaturu and Mohammed Al-Amin, DW correspondent in Nigeria.
How to restore trust amid Nigeria's economic struggles
Nigeria’s public debt is projected to exceed $100 billion following President Bola Tinubu’s request for new loans. The latest push to borrow is fueling concern over debt sustainability. Josey Mahachi talks to Mma Amara Ekeruche, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa…
Why Cameroon tops displacement crisis list
Cameroon is the world's most neglected displacement crisis, according to a Norwegian Refugee Council report, which warns that rising nationalism and waning international support have deepened the crisis.
US military announces plans to adjust Africa strategy
US Africa Command chief Gen. Michael Langley has called on fragile states to take greater ownership of their security. It's a move analysts interpret as part of a broader shift in the Trump administration's defense strategy — one that emphasizes homeland security and a reduced overseas military presence.
What's behind Zimbabwe's debt crisis gold gamble?
Zimbabwe's latest effort to stabilize its economy comes in the form of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), a gold-backed currency introduced in April 2024 to combat hyperinflation, restore confidence and address mounting debt. However, the ZiG has rapidly lost value on the parallel market. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks with Zimbabwean Finance…
AfricaLink 03.06.2025 POD What challenges lie ahead for the new AfDB boss? - MP3-Stereo
The African Development Bank (AfDB) faces major challenges as US President Donald Trump plans to slash by half a billion dollars the US contribution to the AfDB's development fund, which offers low-priced financing to the continent's poor nations.
AfricaLink 02.06.2025 PODCAST Why Malawian youth are migrating - MP3-Stereo
Malawi is struggling to find employment opportunities for its youth, and many are leaving the country in search of better prospects. A young population, high population growth rate, high unemployment, and comparatively low salaries for professionals may make emigration a particularly attractive option for many Malawians.
How do peacekeepers operate in Africa?
This year, the world marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers with an eye on the future of peacekeeping. But how do blue helmets currently operate in Africa, and what have their challenges been? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Malawi Defense Forces Major Tadziwana Kapeni and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja.
What's the Uganda-Germany rift about?
Uganda suspended military cooperation with Germany and accused its ambassador to Kampala of "subversive activities." But Berlin rejected the accusations as "absurd." Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Godber Tumushabe, Associate Director at Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS) and DW's Frank Yiga in Uganda.
Is the Kenya-Tanzania spat a threat to regional unity?
Kenya and Tanzania have been throwing mud at each other on social media following Tanzania's deportation of Kenyan activists.What implication does this diplomatic row have on regional integration? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Ruth Ambogo, a Kenyan lawyer, governance consultant, and political analyst, and Andrew Wasike, DW correspondent in Nairobi.
How South Africa debunked Trump's 'white genocide' claim
It is the first time that South Africa's crime statistics have been broken down by race as a result of the recent genocide claims by US President Donald Trump. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, a lecturer in the Political Studies department at the University of the…
Why Uganda's democracy is at stake
Uganda's parliament passed a law that permits military tribunals to try civilians, prompting protests from the opposition, who said the move violated a Supreme Court ruling in January that banned such trials, which the opposition claims silence opponents. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Dr. Bireete Sarah, Executive Director for the…
Why is child marriage still pervasive in Malawi?
Despite the introduction of legislation to prevent the marriage of underage girls in Malawi, the practice remains relatively widespread. Traditional leaders are accused of perpetuating the problem and religious leaders are urging the government to step intervene. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Memory Chisenga, a child rights activist, and DW…
Controversy over genetically modified food in Nigeria
Genetically modified organisms, or GMOS, are under intense scrutiny in Nigeria. Some of the country's scientists are concerned that genetically modified food could cause health and fertility issues while others argue that it can boost food security. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr. Rufus Ebegba, who introduced GMOs in Nigeria,…
Is Tanzania's democracy at risk?
With the crackdown on opposition parties during an election year, Tanzania faces a reckoning in terms of its democratic future. The ruling CCM party has governed Tanzania for decades, and President Samia Suluhu is up for re-election. What's at stake for Tanzania? Eddy Micah talks to Nicodemus Minde, researcher and…
How USAID cuts is impacting Zambia's health services
Theft of medicines has been blamed for the US stopping funds for Zambia's fragile healthcare system. But as the southern African country now grapples with $50 million less, ordinary Zambians are bearing the brunt. Josey Mahachi talks to DW correspondent in Lusaka, Kathy Short, and Oliver Kaoma, Secretary General of…