Focus on Africa

Malawi's influential Catholic Bishops have written a letter criticising President Lazarus Chakwera's government. They say the country is worse off now. than it was four years ago.  The government has acknowledged the issues raised by the church.  Also how widespread is the recruitment of child soldiers in Africa?And we hear the second half of the story of the Nigerian student who fled Ukraine two years ago, at the start of the war.

There's been a rise in the number of people attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe. Migrants are once again returning to Mauritania, which is struggling to cope with the growing numbers. Why are migrants choosing Mauritania?Also, we'll hear a personal and distressing story of how a Nigerian student fled Ukraine and made her way across Europe when the war broke out two years ago.And why are more African countries growing bamboo?

More than 100 mothers in Uganda have been given community service for allowing their children to beg on the streets of Kampala. We hear more about why street-begging is a huge issue in the country and how most are from a particular region where they are sold as a commodity.Senegal’s President Macky Sall says he will stand down on 2 April when his term in office expires, but he has not announced a new date for the presidential election. So what will happen next? And we hear from a Tanzanian student, who fled Ukraine two years ago when Russia invaded, but now she has returned to complete her medical studies, even though the war rages on.

South Africa's finance minister Enoch Godongwana, acknowledged that the country's economy is facing 'a tipping point'. There's massive youth unemployment in South Africa and this recent forecast won't be favourable to young people. We hear reaction and look at possible solutions.Also, Somalia signs a military and economic deal with Turkey. What's the deal and why has it angered Somaliland? And Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso want to form their own economic bloc, away from Ecowas. Can it work?

The rebranded Russian mercenary group Wagner offers Niger a regime survival package

There's anger in Nigeria as food prices continue to rise. Some people have taken to the streets in protest. Inflation is at its highest the country has seen for a generation, at almost 30%. How is the government dealing with the problem? Also, Kenya's shilling strengthened against the dollar a few days ago, making it Africa's top performing currency. It caused excitement in the country. What's going on, is it all good news?And African leaders decide on a continent wide ban on the trade in donkey skins. We'll hear fascinating facts about donkeys that you don't quite expect!

The African Union urges action on instability and condemns coups on the continent

Despite being an energy-rich country, Nigeria has been experiencing widespread blackouts and power cuts. We hear from the former boss of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on what needs to be done to fix the national grid. Also, we meet the lawyer who defies threats of violence, to defend people sentenced to death for blasphemy under Sharia law. And what is the best way to handle cyberbullies? We hear a personal account of being abused online, and get a few tips from an anti-bullying campaigner.

Racheal Kundananji becomes the most expensive women's footballer after a record transfer fee of $860,000 is paid. Will this pave the way for better pay for women football players?With successful hosting of the recently ended AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast,  we explore how sport can be an effective tool in peace building.And why is there an initiative to stop the illicit trade in tobacco around the world?

Senegal’s President Macky Sall is coming under increasing pressure from West African leaders and the international community to reverse a decision to postpone the presidential election. He is accused of putting the country’s democratic path on to “a dead end”. We find out why some asthma inhalers are environmentally unfriendly.And what was reggae icon Bob Marley really like? We hear from the veteran Zimbabwean broadcaster John Matinde, who hung out with him during the country's independence celebrations in 1980.