Africa Today
News and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast is published from Monday to Friday. It contains the day's top African stories.
Tous les épisodes
US elections: What's in it for Africa?
As the presidential election in the United States looms, we take a look at the impact that President Trump's 'America First' policy has had on US commitments in Africa.Citizens in Nigeria's most populous city are ordered to stay indoor as the country imposes a 24-hour curfew in Lagos. We gather the mood of protesters and their requests.Why are so many African countries still subject to tough restrictions in air travel when they haven't been as badly affected by the COVID pandemic as European countries? We talk with one of the authors of a study looking exactly at this issue
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Undercover in the schools that chain boys
An undercover BBC investigation in Sudan reveals cases of child abuse in a number of Islamic schools. We hear first hand experience of some of the students whose families are now seeking justiceWe take a look at one of Africa's most dynamic economies, Kenya, and find out how coronavirus is affecting business there as many entrepreneurs are having troubles repaying their loans and risk defaulting on their debtsAnd we speak to a malaria survivor from Uganda who says they've invented a soap that not only keeps you clean, but it also helps with keeping mosquitos away
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Guinea commander killed two days before election
Senior army officer Col Mamady Condé was shot dead in at a military camp in Kindia.Plus the man who set up the hated Nigerian police unit, Sars, is saddened by what it has become.And we take a trip down memory lane to when Ike and Tina Turner were among African-American stars to perform at an iconic concert in Ghana.
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Nigeria's capital bans all protests
As protesters in Nigeria continue to demand evidence of police reform, authorities in the capital city Abuja and in Cross River state announce a ban on all protests. It comes after President Muhammadu Buhari promised the disbandment of the infamous Special Anti-Robbery Squad.In South Africa, President Ramaphosa has announced reforms aimed at countering the adverse effects on the economy that the Corona pandemic is having. But what will it take to restart Africa's most industrious economy?Are African women penalised when it comes to raising money for start-ups? We bring you an extended report looking at the hurdles faced by female entrepreneurs in Africa(Photo: People stage a demonstration against Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) in Abuja, Nigeria. Credit: Adam Abu-bashal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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Uganda security officers raid Bobi Wine’s party offices
The party offices of Ugandan presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, have been raided by armed soldiers and police officers.Plus Somalia’s security agency says it has seized Al-Shabab's 'bomb-making materials'.And how a tweet by a young Cameroonian conveying a message of pride and hope went viral.
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End Sars protest: Police announce prisoner release
Nigeria’s police chief has ordered the unconditional release of all people arrested during the ongoing anti-police protests across the country.Plus Tanzania steps up efforts to put out a fire that continues to rage on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.And an aid agency raises concerns of a mental health crisis, due to the impact of Covid-19, in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp.
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Nigeria commits to 'extensive' Police reforms
As Nigerians take to social media to vent rage against SARS, President Buhari commits to 'extensive' police reforms. We hear from Nigeria's presidential spokesperson Garba ShehuWe look into Tanzanian President John Magufuli's remarks in which he suggested he had a better listening ear for female colleagues with lighter skin tonesPlus a look at the latest advancements in breast cancer prevention with practical tips on how to self check with the help of one of South Africa's experts in the field(Photo: EndSARS protesters. Credit: Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Man found not guilty in Nairobi’s Westgate mall attack ‘disappears’
Liban Abdullahi Omar, the man cleared of terrorism charges over the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, has gone missing.Plus in Namibia, women demand an end to gender-based violence.And we hear from the mother and daughter in Sierra Leone who both came top in the National Primary School Exam, 25 years apart.
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Anti-corruption officials blocked from questioning former Sierra Leone president
Supporters of the former Sierra Leone President Bai Koroma gathered outside his residence to stop the Anti-Corruption Commission officials from questioning him.Plus demonstrations take place in several Nigerian cities as people protest against the actions of the notorious police unit, SARS.And a new generation is invited into the fraternity of men among the Maasai in a special ceremony.
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Guilty verdicts for two men in Kenya shopping mall attack
Two of three people linked to the 2013 attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Kenya's capital Nairobi have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act.Striking South African workers blame the government for corruption and a worsening economy.Plus words and music from an eleven year old inspired by the highly charged events of this year.
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How Social media is fuelling the flames of ethnic violence in Ethiopia
Berhan Taye, the Africa policy manager at Access Now, a digital rights group that has been following the situation, says Facebook posts have played a key role in whipping up public anger.Africa's largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has announced a special Covid-19 medical insurance plan for travelers on its international flights. We find out how it works.We speak to the young Malawian winner of Unicef’s Covid-19 Youth Innovation Challenge. Sam Masikini, 23, is bringing digital education even to those who don't have internet access.(Photo: Members of the Oromo community march in a demonstration during a protest after the death of musician and revolutionary Hachalu Hundessa. Credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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Nigeria bans SARS stop and search operations
The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police, Muhammed Adamu, said the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, must halt stop and search operations with immediate effect. In recent years there has been growing anger at routine harassment, extortion, and assaults committed by SARS officers.From Kenya, the BBC's Ian Wafula tells us how local leaders have organised the initiation ceremony of ten thousand Masaai warriors during a pandemic.Senegal is taken as a positive example for the way it is managing the COVID-19 pandemic.Ugandan author, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, on her latest short stories book titled 'Manchester Happened'(Photo: SARS men for Lagos. Credit: BBC Pidgin)
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Nigeria: At least 40 people have died after flooding in Jigawa State
Farmlands and access roads were submerged following the floods.In Sudan heavy flooding has caused food insecurityAnd we hear from our resident presidents.
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DR Congo: ten years since UN report on grave crimes
It's been ten years since the publication of a major report that mapped serious and horrific human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo starting in 1993 and ending in 2003.Thursday marks Nigeria’s 60th anniversary as an independent country.South Africa has opened its borders to travellers from all African countries, but has retained restrictions against countries with higher coronavirus infection rates including the UK, the US and Russia.
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Rwanda genocide suspect loses extradition appeal
A top French appeals court has agreed to extradite the alleged financier of the Rwandan genocide, Félicien Kabuga, to face trial in Tanzania.Plus the World Health Organization (WHO) pledges to investigate accusations of sex abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo.And why Ugandan social media content creators are prepared to defy a law forcing them to register with the regulatory body.
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South Africa reports millions of job losses
South Africa’s economy lost 2.2 million jobs in the second quarter of 2020, according to the government's statistics agency.Following a major corruption probe in Sierra Leone, several people including former President Ernest Bai Koroma have been ordered not to leave the country.Plus we speak to Patrick Adom, a computer science specialist turned puzzle maker who's putting Africa and people of colour at the heart of jigsaw puzzles.
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Zimbabwe schools reopen without teachers
Teachers in Zimbabwe strike on the first day of school, protesting low wages and lack of anti-COVID measures.Mali's transitional President Bah Ndaw has named a new civilian prime minister, the state television announced on Sunday.Plus, we hear from Ivorian singer Mula, she talks about her career aspirations.
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Mali's interim president sworn in
Mali's new president, Former Defence Minister Bah Ndaw has been sworn into office, five weeks after the overthrow of Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.We hear from Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, he talks about corruption in the country following an investigation into the administration of former president Ernest Bai Koroma.Plus Zimbabwean dance hall and reggae musician Winky D about his latest album called "Njema".
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Kenyan officials accused of Covid-19 corruption
At least 15 top Kenyan government officials and businesspeople face prosecution in connection for alleged theft of tens of millions of dollars meant for Covid-19 supplies.Zambia’s credit rating has been downgraded over mounting debt crisis.We also meet the man responsible for carrying on the tradition of the talking drum.
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Mozambique conflict: thousands forced to flee into Tanzania
Escalating conflict in Mozambique forcing thousands to flee into Tanzania. At least 25 people, including primary schoolchildren, have been killed after a lorry transporting petrol exploded in the city of Lokoja in central Nigeria.In the Gambia, women led a demonstration through the streets of Serekunda to raise awareness of maternal deaths.
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Kenya's Chief Justice calls out parliament over gender
Kenya's Chief Justice David Maraga has advised the President to dissolve parliament because it does not meet the constitutional requirement to be made up of no more than 2/3 of any one gender.Nurses and midwives in Ghana are on strike after failing to come to an agreement with government over pay and conditions.And we speak to the Ghanaian husband and wife celebrity team who swapped their nightclub for a food delivery business because of Covid-19.
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Mali's ex-defence minister named interim leader
Mali's former Defence Minister Bah Ndaw has been appointed interim president while coup leader Colonel Assimi Goita will serve as his deputy, state television has announced.More than 500 South African school children are quarantined in the Eastern Cape after some pupils test positive for the coronavirus.Primary and secondary schools in Lagos reopened on Monday after nearly six months of closure due to Covid19(Photo: Bah Ndaw. Credit: AFP)
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US sanction former Gambia first lady
The United States has imposed sanctions on the country's former First Lady Zineb Jammeh accusing her of corruption during her husband Yahya Jammeh's rule. The US treasury suspects her of helping the former president transfer money illegally, and controlling his assets abroad.Talks have continued between Mali's military junta and opposition parties to try break a deadlock over a proposed transitional agreement.Zimbabwe's plan to return farms to foreign white farmers who lost their land some 20 years ago under the rule of Robert Mugabe.
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Cameroon army launches operation in North-West Region
Cameroon army launch operation dubbed "Bamenda Clean." It aims to restore order to the capital of the Northwest Region which the army claims has been the target of attacks by what it calls "terrorists and criminals".Zimbabwe bans mining operations in the country's national parks following an outcry over proposed mining activities in Hwange National Park by two Chinese companies.South Africa introduce laws to try and deal with high levels of gender based violence in the country.
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Ugandan Minister charged of attempted murder
Uganda’s Deputy Labour Minister, Mwesigwa Rukutana was today charged of attempted murder following a shooting incident during NRM party primary elections at the weekend.Protesters in South Africa force the closure of Clicks chain stores because of an advert deemed to be racist. Zimbabwe journalist Hopewell Chin’ono narrates his arrest and prison ordeal.
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Global leaders call for free coronavirus vaccine
African presidents are among world leaders calling for a free Covid-19 vaccine that should be made available worldwide. The European Union pledges 480 million Euros to help revive Sudan's struggling economy. Our Resident Presidents tell us why health experts aren’t their cup of tea.
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Burundi orders WHO officials to leave the country
Burundi has ordered four key staff members of the World Health Organisation to leave the country. Clashes in Sudan’s South Kordofan region leave at least 26 dead. Our listeners share their experiences of life under lockdown.
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Lesotho records first coronavirus case
Lesotho today became the last country on the African continent to record a coronavirus case. Cameroon's Julie Owono talks about her appointment to the board overseeing Facebook content. Malawian artist Hazel Mak on her new ‘Unorthodox’ album.
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Zambia closes Tanzania border as COVID-19 cases surge
Zambia has acted quickly to close the border with Tanzania after a surge in Covid-19 cases near the national boundary. Sierra Leone grapples with a spate of violence in areas supportive of the main opposition party. And we hear from France-based singer YSEE on Tony Allen’s final recording before his passing.
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Malawi Supreme Court upholds Presidential poll nullification
Malawi’s Supreme Court has upheld the invalidation of last year's presidential election results and ruled that Peter Mutharika was not duly elected.Political tensions are rising in Ethiopia over the postponement of elections which were scheduled for August this year.And the miraculous tale of a migratory Mongolian Cuckoo called Onon which flew from Kenya to Asia in just seven days - a journey that normally takes seven days.
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Madagascar conducts mass Covid-19 tests.
Madagascar is conducting mass coronavirus tests in its worst hit area and more on its Covid-Organics.Why are schools being vandalised during coronavirus lockdown in South Africa?And the we hear from,ML Kejera, the first Gambian to be shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
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African countries lift coronavirus restrictions
Some African countries among them Nigeria, South Africa and Rwanda have started relaxing coronavirus measures but some of their citizens see it as an ill-advised move.Tanzania President John Magufuli criticised for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist in the world.
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South Africa government outlines plan for COVID19 recovery
The South Africa government has outlined a stimulus package to aid the country's recovery from the effects of coronavirusThe South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur helping light up Sierra LeoneEast Africa face the combined threat of coronavirus and a second wave of locust swarms thought be 20 times bigger that the one which began last year
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Thousands arrested in Morocco for Covid19 violations
Police in Morocco have arrested more than fifty thousand people for violating coronavirus emergency measuresAfrican nurses and doctors on how they are dealing with coronavirus on the frontline of the fight in Europe and the US.And Angelique Kidjo repurpose an old song to help spread the message on coronavirus
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Cameroon government admits military involvement in civilian deaths
The Cameroonian government has admitted the involvement of its military in the death of civilians last FebruaryHow the coronavirus pandemic has given the planet a lifelineKenya government hunts a group of people who escaped from a quarantine facility
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How a dip in global oil demand is affecting African countries
A dip in oil demand around the world is having big effect on Africa's countries big producers Nigeria and Angola.We hear from a hand washing expert who is on a mission to save lives and she also has tips on how to keep clean even when there's no water.And a group of Kenyans question why they are being forced to stay in quarantine despite testing positive for coronavirus.
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Coronavirus in Africa: Your questions answered
A special podcast where we put your questions about the coronavirus pandemic to the World Health Organisation
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Climate Change Strikes in Africa
A world wide push to raise the alarm over climate change. And African children are actively involved in the demonstrations
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Detained Nigeria Shia leader to be freed to travel abroad for medical treatment
We explore the trials and tribulations of domestic workers in Africa; Dozens die in Libya drone attack; And the human breast milk bank newly opened in Nairobi.
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Ethiopia Airways crash latest.
A day of mourning in Ethiopia following the Ethiopian Airlines crash.
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Jobs jobs jobs
The World Bank estimates that Africa's working age population could grow by as much as 450 million by 2035. So how can African countries create the millions of jobs needed to accommodate these people? This special episode of the Africa Today podcast hears from experts and innovators from across the continent.
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Voter Registration Day in Nigeria
Thousands of frustrated Nigerians try to beat the voter registration deadline, but the electoral commission refuses any extension; first, Theresa May and now, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel visits Nigeria... what's on her agenda? Equality under the law for women married under Muslim rites in South Africa.
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European Leaders Continue Charm Offensive in Africa
Two of Europe's most powerful leaders continue setting out their stalls in separate African visits - Kenya and Ghana state their wants; Nigeria's defence minister on his country's security crisis; Soweto in South Africa after the latest anti-immigrant attacks; and the fishermen staying safe at sea with the help of condoms.
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Europe's Leaders on a Charm Offensive in Africa
Europe's two leaders on multi-country Africa tours as evermore big world players woo the continent... we ask about the opportunities and risks for Africa; Germany hands back skulls of Namibians massacred more than a century ago; and an uproar over a TV condom advert in Kenya - what's so offensive about socks?
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Soldiers in Uganda Caught on Tape Assaulting a Journalist
From Uganda, soldiers assaulting a journalist are caught on camera: A police spokesman says the behaviour of the security forces will be investigated; Na waa oh! We celebrate a year of BBC Pidgin; also, why is Arsene Wenger getting the Humane Order of African Redemption from Liberia?
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Zimbabwe Awaits Election Results
Zimbabwe - presidential election results expected tonight; in Ghana, five banks are merged into one; and two strong Congolese opposition presidential hopefuls warming up for the presidential election in December.
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India to Open 18 New Embassies Accross Africa
Is New Delhi playing catch-up with Beijing? Zimbabwean women standing in landmark elections; will Eritrea's political landscape change now that the war with Ethiopia is truly over?
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Military Chiefs Escape Attack in Cameroon
Cameroon's defence minister and army chief escape an attack by Anglophone insurgents; after five years of civil war, the UN imposes an arms embargo on South Sudan, the same day women march for peace in Juba; and Sierra Leone: 100 days of President Bio - the pluses and minuses.
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Kenyan Lawmakers' Taxpayer-Funded Visit to Russia
Kenyans wondering why twenty lawmakers went to Russia during the World Cup on the taxpayers' dime; a new study shows just how long a shadow Ebola cast on those who survived it; the multicultural roots of the ZCC; The Gambia's healthcare crisis.
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EU Leaders Agree Deal on Migration
After nine hours of talks, European Union leaders agree a deal of sorts on migration; Ghana's electoral commission boss, Charlotte Osei, sacked, the information minister tells us why; Gambia's Adama Barrow's major reshuffle; and the Resident Presidents on the merits or not of a lie detector.
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