
Focus on Africa
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 25, 2025 • 39min
DR Congo proposes deal to the West
In a bold diplomatic move Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has reportedly proposed granting the United States and Europe access to the country’s vast mineral resources. What's the deal and why now?Also, what is postpartum depression and why does it need to be taken seriously?And a young cancer survivor in Tanzania shares her story of recovery with us.Presenter: Audrey Brown
Technical Producer: Gabriel O Regan
Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Sunita Nahar in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 24, 2025 • 33min
Nigeria's ex-military leader regrets cancelling election
Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, publicly regrets annulling the Nigerian1993 presidential election. How does family of presumed winner, Moshood Abiola, respond?We explore the affordable housing crisis in DR Congo's capital Kinshasa.And reaction after Botswana lifts a ban on South African vegetablesPresenter : Audrey Brown
Producers :Sunita Nahar and Amie Liebowitz in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer : Jack Graysmark
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Feb 21, 2025 • 31min
Sierra Leone: Who is Hawa Hunt and why was she arrested?
There is growing concern that a law introduced in 2021 is being used to muzzle freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. Hawa Hunt, a social media infleuncer with Siera Leonean and Canadian citizenship is the latest victim of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. She is accused of insulting President Julius Maada Bio and his wife Fatima Bio in a video posted on Facebook in 2023 just as the country was preparing for elections. Her dramatic arrest during a live television show was a national talking point. Her daughter, Alicia reflects on the struggle to free her mother.Also, a BBC Eye investigation reveals how highly addictive pills produced in India are flooding the streets of West Africa And Senegal begins refining its own oil, will the locals benefit ? Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos.
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Feb 20, 2025 • 32min
Kenya slammed for hosting Sudan rebels
Sudan's military led government are upset by Kenya's decision to host a conference of the paramilitary Rapid Support ForcesIs there a regional power play behind Mauritania and Morocco's electricity exchange agreement ?And what's the deadly bacteria that's making Lake Victoria turn green?Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos
Technical Producer : Philip Bull
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 19, 2025 • 31min
USAID Suspension: Where next for Africa?
Experts say the health of millions of Africans is at stake following the suspension of much needed USAID funds. Programs that the US organisation funds on the continent are vast and crucial. What do African governments need to do to fill the gap?Also, a new report says that the recruitment of children as soldiers on the continent remains a challenge. We hear from a former child soldier.And a proposal for a fresh approaching in saving the African rhino, but this time, everyone is included in the conversation for conservation!Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Philip Bull
Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Stefania Okereke
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 18, 2025 • 32min
Deadly collapse at Mali gold mine
The collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali at the weekend killed dozens of peopleThe world’s ‘first openly gay imam’ who was shot dead in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks, is remembered What can be done about overcrowding in prisons in Africa?Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Sunita Nahar and Stefania Okereke in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical producer: Gabriel O'Regan
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Feb 17, 2025 • 32min
African Union members elect new leader
African Union members have elected Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the next chair of the AU Commission. Mr Ali Youssouf defeated Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato. What are some of the challenges he faces?Also, why is Gambia running short on medicines? And are tech-savvy Gen Z's really more vulnerable to cyber attacks? Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Philip Bull
Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Sunita Nahar, Nyasha Michelle and Stefania Okereke in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos.
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 14, 2025 • 34min
Why has Sierra Leone imposed a fishing ban?
A month-long fishing ban in Sierra Leone leaves families struggling to cope.Who are AfriForum- the white Afrikaner minority group that's behind Donald Trump's intimidation of South Africa?And we meet Nada Hafez -The Egyptian fencer whose Olympic pregnancy stunned the world.Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle, Frenny Jowi and Paul Bakibinga.
Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Feb 13, 2025 • 33min
The case against Rwanda
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is holding a public hearing in Tanzania, on a case filed by DR Congo against Rwanda. The country accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, orchestrating violence, and destabilizing the DRC. Rwanda denies the accusations. How significant is this? Also, a look at the growing economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. What difference does it make to ordinary Zimbabweans?And why a separatist fighter in Cameroon handed over his weapons to become a teacher..Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Phillip Bull
Producers: Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan
Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Feb 12, 2025 • 31min
Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in Nigeria?
Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in southern Nigeria?Why residents of Cape Town’s brightly coloured Bo-Kaap neighbourhood are concerned about tourism numbersAnd calls for AI to bridge the gender equality gap in AfricaPresenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Patricia Whitehorne and Nyasha Michelle in London.
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.