

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

Aug 8, 2024 • 28min
How fake medicines could be contributing to the deaths of over half a million Africans
A United Nations report says fake or substandard medicines could be causing the deaths of around half a million people across Africa. This new study found, if people continue to be exposed to fake medicines, they could develop a resistance to genuine medication. How do you spot fakes?Also why the concept of the family home needs a legal definition to protect the rights of women and children.And the impact of illegal shark fishing in the Congo.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Frenny Jowi, Bella Hassan, Joseph Keen and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Aug 7, 2024 • 32min
Why has Mali cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine?
Mali and now Niger say they've cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine. How much involvement does Kyiv have in the Sahel?
Why are multinational companies leaving Nigeria?
And we hear more about the world's greatest running rivalry: Kenya vs Ethiopia
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers : Victor Sylver, Charles Gitonga, Sunita Nahar and Nyasha Michelle
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Aug 6, 2024 • 31min
What's behind the violent protests in the UK?
The United Kingdom is experiencing almost a week of violent disorder after three girls were fatally stabbed in the town of Southport, in England. The subsequent unrest in towns and cities has been fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment. How did the UK get to this point? Also, why does Lesotho have the highest suicide rates in the world? And Somalia sentences seven young Tik Tok users to jail for 'indecency' and 'incitement'.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producer: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan, Frenny Jowi and Rob Wilson
Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice MuthengiPlease Note: If you have been affected by the content on suicide in this episode, do search for the BBC's Action line or contact a local support group for help.

Aug 5, 2024 • 35min
Will protests in Somalia against Al-Shabab militants bring change?
Hundreds gather in protest at popular Lido beach in Mogadishu after a deadly Al-Shabab militant attack. The African Union declares coffee a strategic commodity. What does that mean?
And is Nigeria ready for a new state?
Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Claudia Efemini, Nyasha Michelle and Sunita Nahar in LondonTechnical Producer :Jonny Hall
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Aug 2, 2024 • 29min
Why is Algeria's Imane Khelif at the centre of controversy at the Paris Olympics?
Algeria's Imane Khelif found herself at the centre of controversy at the Olympic games in Paris after her opponent, Italy's Angela Carini surrendered just 46 seconds into the boxing match. The result generated immediate discussion because Khelif had in the past failed testosterone and gender eligibility tests at the World Championships. Carina later said, "I have never been hit so hard in my life". Who is Imane Khelif and why is her gender being questioned? Also, Botswana's President calls on businesses to adopt a police station? What does this mean and what's the reaction in Botswana? And why forest fires are on the rise in Morocco.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Susan Gachuhi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Patricia Whitehorne in London.
Technical Producer: Philip Bull
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Aug 1, 2024 • 35min
Why have Kenyan authorities ordered the cull of over a million crows?
Kenyan authorities begin the process of culling a million Indian house crowsWhy are hundreds of thousands of people in Lesotho now facing severe food insecurity ?And three journalists sentenced to years in prison after writing about corruption in Morocco released after pardons from King Mohammed VIPresenter: Audrey Brown
Producers : Blessing Aderogba in Lagos and Sunita Nahar in London
Technical Producer: Philip Bull
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Jul 31, 2024 • 28min
Why were members of Uganda’s opposition party deported from Kenya?
Thirty-six members of Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change Katonga party - or FDC Katonga – were recently arrested in Kenya and taken back home to face terrorism charges. A party spokesperson insists they have done nothing wrong. So why were they in Kenya, and why have the Ugandan authorities detained them? Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has competed at the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant. A few online comments have called her participation irresponsible. What are the risks to performing in elite sport with a baby on the way? And it is almost a year since Nigeria’s flag designer died but he has still not been buried. Why has there been no action on plans for a state funeral?Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Rob Wilson, Yvette Twagiramariya and Joseph Keen in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos.
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Jul 30, 2024 • 30min
What Ethiopia floating its currency means.
Ethiopia's recent move to float its currency has led to a dramatic 30% depreciation, raising concerns about the cost of living amidst ongoing economic challenges. Meanwhile, families in Katsina, Nigeria, are grappling with severe food scarcity and malnutrition, highlighting the emotional toll of hunger. On a brighter note, Senegal has successfully removed the Niocolo Cobar National Park from the endangered heritage list, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. These stories encapsulate some of the pressing socio-economic issues facing Africa today.

Jul 29, 2024 • 35min
What is the suspect South African military camp training Libyans?
A large group of Libyans have been charged with visa violations after being arrested by South African police at an illegal military training camp. But how did the site, in Mpumalanga province, go undetected?African leaders have signed up to the first pan-African human rights legislation to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Zambian musician John Chiti who was born with albinism and is visually impaired, says it means governments can now be held to account. And how the war in Sudan is destroying the country's ancient archaeological legacy, through the mass looting and destruction of historical and important artefacts.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Rob Wilson and Joseph Keen in London; Frenny Jowi and Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi
Technical Producer: Jonny Hall
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice MuthengiShow less

Jul 26, 2024 • 32min
Will Africa shine at the Paris Olympics?
Excitement builds as the Paris Olympics approach, showcasing Africa’s athletic prowess and cultural pride. Athletes from South Sudan inspire hope through basketball, while gender parity marks a historic moment at the Games. Meanwhile, Nigeria grapples with the devastating impacts of oil theft, prompting urgent calls for solutions. In Namibia, a housing crisis looms with a dire need for homes, prompting innovative approaches like using mushrooms for eco-friendly bricks, offering sustainable solutions for communities in need.