Focus on Africa

Nigeria, a nation once notorious for military rule, is marking 25 years of democracy, at a time when several of its West African neighbours have had coups in recent years. But as many Nigerians struggle to earn enough to live on, amid an economic crisis and dramatically rising prices, some appear to be very unhappy with how they are being governed. So, is democracy working in Nigeria? Also, why are young people being targeted to smoke e-cigarettes?And we'll learn more about the social media influencer from Kenya, spreading disinformation about climate change.Presenter:Charles Gitonga Technical Producer:Nick Randell Producers: Joseph Keen, Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Patricia Whitehorne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The United States' envoy to Sudan has warned that the fall of the besieged city of el-Fasher in western Darfur, is imminent. It's the only city still under army control in the region. What happens if the city falls? And what will the wider impact be?Also Malawi mourns the death of its Vice President and 9 other passengers folliwng an airplane crash, we'll find out more about Mr Chilima, the man and the politician.And have you ever heard of the condition gynaecomastia? We'll hear a personal testimony.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Joseph Keen, Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Frenny Jowi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Several hundred people are jailed in Tunisia just for writing bad cheques. Human rights campaigners are calling for Tunisia to replace this system with alternatives to prison for repaying debt.A look at the worsening relations between West African neighbours Niger and Benin.Plus, an initiative to close down orphanages in a bid to end child exploitation.

Millions of children in northern Nigeria are without sufficient food, that's according to the aid agency, MSF. The persistent malnutrition crisis in the region, MSF says, stems from inflation, security issues and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. We'll hear from Dr Simba Tirima in Maiduguri.Also its almost 10 years since so-called Islamic State declared a caliphate. What's been their influence in Africa?And the growing interest of Formula 1 on the continent. Any chance of an African Grand Prix? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson, Emmanuela Alausa and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Somalia was recently elected by the United Nations General Assembly to be a member of the 15 member U.N.Security Council. This is for a two-year term starting next year. What does Somalia bring to the top table at the UN?Also, how huge quantities of gold are being smuggled out of AfricaAnd we meet the Ghanaian dance duo Afronita and Abigail who wowed a talent show in Britain.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Ricardo McCarthy Producers: Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson, Yvette Twagiramariya, Daniel Dadzie, Emmanuella Alausa and Nyasha Michelle Senior Producers: Karnie Sharp and Paul Bakibinga Editors : Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The Focus on Africa Podcast turns 1. On this special edition, we look back at the year that's been. We re-visit kidnappings in Nigeria, we head back to the Seychelles where an opposition leader was accused of witchcraft and remember the challenges and opportunities of being a first-born daughter.Presenters: Richard Kagoe and Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Nyasha Michelle, Daniel Dadzie, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar, Lola Schroer, Amie Liebowitz, Nour Abida and Tom Kavanagh in London. Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Todah Opeyemi in Lagos Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Russia and Sudan have formally agreed to set up what they call " a logistical support point on the Red Sea". It will be Russia's first naval base in Africa.  Why does Russia need a naval base close to the Red Sea?Also, a jail term for Senegalese citizens for criticising Prime Minister Sonko on gay rights.  What's going on?  And we'll find out more about what's it like living with endometriosis, after the popular Kenyan DJ Jahmby Koikai died from the disease. Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Joseph Keen Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov is back in Africa having visited the continent several times in the past couple of years. What is Russia looking for in these frequent visits to the continent? And can it help with Libya?Also, how internet scams in Nigeria are impacting the lives of teenagers in different parts of the worldAnd why Madagascans are unhappy about internet access in their country.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Kaine Pieri and Joseph Keen Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The first-ever summit of African leaders and South Korea is underway in Seoul. South Korea has promised to boost development aid for Africa by up to $10 billion over the next six years. The country also aims to tap into Africa's rich mineral resources. How else can Africa benefit from this new forged relationship with South Korea? Also the UN warns that millions of people in Sudan are at risk of malnutrition and starvationAnd new initiatives on tackling bullying, are being discussed and planned in schools on the continent. Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Emmanuella Aluasa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Following last week's elections, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, has lost its majority. The ANC now needs a coalition partner to ally with. It's begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents, but who will it choose and why?Also Nigeria's public workers begin an indefinite nationwide strike following failed negotiations with the governmentAnd have you heard of 'adaptive' clothing? It's a new much needed fashion trend, helping people with disabilities to shop with ease.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers; Rob Wilson, Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi