

Focus on Africa
BBC World Service
Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 31, 2025 • 28min
Why has a Libyan suspect got Italy's PM investigated?
Who is Osama Najim, the Libyan suspect wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes?What is the reason behind the high-level diplomatic spat between Rwanda and South Africa over the fighting in DR Congo?Plus, why Kenya is putting its nuclear program on holdPresenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Bella Hassan, Amie Liebowitz and Yvette Twagiramariya in London with Frenny Jowi in Nairobi.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Editors. Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jan 30, 2025 • 36min
What's Africa's reponse to Deepseek?
A Chinese-made artificial intelligence (AI) model called DeepSeek is stunning investors and sinking some tech stocks. It's also quickly impressing AI experts and has the attention of the entire tech industry and the world. How does it work and has it inspired Africa or not?Also, why does Namibia have some of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world?And the race to host Formula One on the continent. Who will win? Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jan 29, 2025 • 30min
US aid cut hits African healthcare
There are concerns that an international US foreign aid cut will reverse gains, especially in the fight against HIVWho are the M23 - the group operating in eastern DR Congo?And how a non-alcoholic bar in Ghana is challenging the drinking culturePresenter Charles Gitonga
Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jan 28, 2025 • 36min
Rare criticism for Zimbabwe's President
A group of prominent Zimbabwean war veterans, including a senior figure from the ruling Zanu PF party, have issued a rare rebuke against the country's president Emerson Mnangagwa. They've accused him of seeking to violate the country's constitution by pushing for a third term in office. What does this mean and how significant is this?Also, we return to the story of the Malawian women facing abuse as domestic workers in Oman.And who are the Lukurawa and why have they been designated a terrorist group? Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Nyasha Michelle in London and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi
Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jan 27, 2025 • 33min
DR Congo crisis: rebels claim Goma takeover
Rwandan-backed rebels have taken over most of the city of Goma in eastern DR Congo. There are reports of Congolese and Rwandan troops exchanging fire across the border.
Calls for European Union member countries to respect the human rights of migrants in North Africa. Plus, we remember one of the forgotten black victims of the Holocaust.Presenter : Audrey Brown
Producers : Yvette Twagiramariya , Bella Hassan and Amie Liebowitz in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical producer: Jack Graysmark
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Jan 24, 2025 • 32min
Sudanese women suffer sexual violence in Libya
The UN refugee agency says more than 200,000 Sudanese have arrived in Libya since the start of the war. Women are amongst those hoping to find a better life there. Instead, the women say they have faced abuse and raped. Five women have told the BBC they were tortured and sexually abused in "rape rooms", and worse, children have not been spared. Also, why are children not going to school in Nigeria? The country has some of the largest numbers of children out of school in the world. Why is that?And is smoking tobacco really in decline in South Africa? It was amongst the first countries in the world to heavily tax tobacco and introduce controls to rein in smoking in the early 90s.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Nyasha Michella and Yvette Twagiramariya
Technical Producer: Craig Kingham
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Jan 23, 2025 • 32min
Mobile tariff hike approved in Nigeria.
Join Ross Bailey, Head of Advocacy at Malaria No More, as he discusses the promising progress of malaria vaccination campaigns in Africa, reducing child mortality rates effectively. Gail Creek, an African-American seeking Beninese citizenship, shares her heartfelt journey to reconnect with her heritage amidst evolving citizenship laws in Benin. The podcast also covers Nigeria's recent mobile tariff hike, exploring the implications of rising costs on subscribers and the youth-driven digital economy.

Jan 22, 2025 • 30min
Can Mozambique’s political leaders unite the country?
Can Mozambique’s newly sworn in President Daniel Chapo and the main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, put their differences aside for the benefit of the country’s future? The United Nations estimates that more than 50m children globally do not have birth certificates – and most of those children live in Africa. Why does having a birth certificate matter? And a special memorial has been unveiled in South Africa to remember the black soldiers who took part in the first World War.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Alfonso Daniels, Nyasha Michelle and Victor Sylver in London. Frenny Jowi was in Nairobi
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jan 21, 2025 • 35min
Nigeria approves Shell's exit from Niger Delta
Nigeria approves Shell's watershed exit from oil-rich Niger Delta-but activists are not pleased.Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan receives an early nomination for being the ruling party's presidential candidate.And why are some African countries moving towards banning wigs in court?Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Bella Hassan and Sunita Nahar in London, Charles Gitonga in Nairobi and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jan 20, 2025 • 30min
The tragic story of Samantha Pendo
Why has the case against the Kenyan police officers allegedly involved in the death of six-month old Samantha Pendo been delayed yet again? Seven years on, her parents are still seeking justice after a court hearing into the case was adjourned for the third time. What happens to stolen funds and assets when they are recovered and repatriated to the country where they were taken from? And as President Trump begins his second term in office, will he make it a mission to end wars in Africa?Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Stephania Okereke, Nyasha Michelle and Kaine Pieri in London. Charles Gitonga was in Nairobi
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi