Focus on Africa

Sierra Leone recently passed a landmark bill to ban child marriage. The country has one of the highest child marriage rates in the world. How easy will it be to eliminate the practice?Also we hear from the new chancellor for the University of Nairobi Professor Patrick Verkooijen. What's his view on the Gen Z inspired protests in Kenya?And how did Togo manage to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Aime Liebowitz, Bella Hassan, Victor Sylver and Rob Wilson in London. Frenny Jowi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Ministers of Ecowas, the regional and political organisation for fifteen west African countries, are meeting in Abuja to discuss the formation of a new regional force against terrorism and unconstitutional government changes. The talks come amidst a rise in jihadist activity across the Sahel and after recent coups.  Is a new regional force, the answer to the challenges faced by countries in West Africa?Also a recent strain of mpox in the DRC has been described as the "most dangerous yet". Another strain has been detected in South Africa. What do you need to know about the virus? And what’s it like being queer in Nigeria?  The BBC is let into a secretly held event for Nigeria's LGBTQ+ community. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Victor Sylver, Amie Liebowitz, Bella Hassan and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Somalia's ambassador to the United Nations recently accused Ethiopian troops of making illegal incursions across their shared border. Relations between the two countries have continued to decline ever since Ethiopia signed a non-binding agreement with the breakaway Republic of Somaliland earlier this year. Why Africans continue to pay a high price for denied visas into Europe.And how floating solar panels can help Africa become more energy sufficient. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Susan Gachuhi, Frenny Jowi, Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan, Nyasha Michelle and Patricia Whitehorne. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Protesters in Kenya embarked on yet another round of demonstrations against a new finance bill that seeks to introduce new taxes. Police appeared overwhelmed in some parts of the capital, Nairobi. Demonstrators were seen approaching the parliament complex, where fire could be seen. Why have demonstrations darkened? Also Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control expresses particular concern over this year's outbreak of cholera. Over 50 people have died from the disease.And a new study in Sierra Leone says political discourse can have a devastating impact on mental health. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga, Sunita Nahar, Rob Wilson and Victor Sylver Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, who won a landmark case when judges ruled that laws banning same-sex acts between men are unconstitutional, says he drew strength from his Christian faith and from his mum.Over a billion dollars has been pledged to develop vaccines in Africa. How will it work and will African insitutions be able to access the money? And who is Michael Usi, the former comedian who is now Malawi's new vice president?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Rob Wilson, Frenny Jowi and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Kenya braces itself for more marches next week when lawmakers take a final vote on the controversial tax proposals. But who are the young people taking to the streets and are they really changing the face of protest in Kenya?Also what are the factors hampering Burundi's economyAnd why are South African traditional healers, or Sangomas as they're known, being trained to test clients for HIV?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Susan Gachuhi, Bella Hassan and Nyasha Michelle Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers have reportedly died during Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Most of the deaths have been because of heat-related illnesses. Saudi Arabia has been hit by sweltering temperatures this year.  What measures are in place to help travellers mitigate the risks from these high temperatures? Also, why are cases of sexually transmitted infections on the rise on the continent? And why do many students from across Africa prefer studying at Western Universities? What's the attraction and how are they treated once they get into a University in the West? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Frenny Jowi, Susan Gachuhi, Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan. Technical Producer :Jack Graysmark Senior Producer:Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Amnesty International is calling on Egypt to stop arresting Sudanese people seeking refuge from war. The human rights watchdog says Egypt must also stop sending refugees back to Sudan. Our correspondent in Cairo tells us how these refugees are perceived and treated.Also why is violence once again on the rise in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province?And how did Famo, a genre of music in Lesotho, came to be associated with gang violence?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson, Patricia Whitehorn and Nyasha Michelle Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer

Kenya's government has bowed to public pressure and scrapped plans to introduce new taxes on items like bread and motor vehicles. Why were Kenyans so angry with the tax increments? Ethiopia one of sub-Saharan Africa's major economies, opens up its banking sector to foreign investors. What will it mean for the country? And why is Sierra Leone considering updating its child protection laws?

Female students at the University of Juba in South Sudan say, they were arrested and beaten by police following a protest against a rise in hostel fees.  It's caused concern amongst civil society groups in the country.  We'll hear reaction from Jackline Nasiwa, a human rights defender and director of Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice in South Sudan.Also a task team in Sierra Leone finds that the addictive drug Kush is one hundred times more potent than heroinAnd can AI help farmers on the continent with pest control? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Frenny Jowi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard