Focus on Africa

Dr. Daniela Mano, a clinical epidemiologist who led an Ebola vaccine trial in DRC, discusses the complexities of declaring the outbreak over and highlights advances in vaccination and outbreak response. Abdul Rahman Syed, a Horn of Africa analyst, delves into the historical tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, examining regional influences and potential conflicts. Meanwhile, Ella Mercy Diaburu Ojo shares her innovative hydroponic methods for developing virus-free seeds, transforming yam and cassava farming in Africa to increase resilience and encourage investment.

Can Madagascar's new president, Col Randrianirina, deliver change demanded by Gen Z Mada?Are West Africa’s illicit economies fueling the region’s wars and causing instability ?And a look at plans by the WHO to integrate traditional and modern medicine.Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke and Saleck Zeid in London.Senior Producer: Paul BakibingaTechnical Producer: Frank McWeenyEditors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Kenya's opposition leader, and former prime minister, Raila Odinga, has died suddenly at the age of eighty. We explore his legacy in Kenya and the rest of Africa.The world's largest producer of cobalt is the Democratic Republic of Congo. It replaces the ban with quotas but what does that mean for the DRC economy and its local mining communities?And did you know that young women can get perimenopause. We ask what it is?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu pardons many individuals-some posthumously. How were the decisions arrived at?   Why are marriages and births declining in Tunisia?   And are journalists in Tanzania exercising a lot of caution ahead of the general elections?   Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers:  Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne  and Bella Hassan in London. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests. Where did it all go wrong for the entrepreneur and former DJ, who first became president in 2009 when he was just 34.Being a park ranger in Africa can be one of the most dangerous professions in the world. We hear from a ranger at Zambia's South Luangwa National Park who, with a group of others, has picked up an international award for his work.And Ghana’s iconic kente cloth has been officially recognised and granted protected status as a national heritage fabric.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Alfonso Daniels and Ryan Johnson Technical Producers: Chris Kouzaris and Sarah Kimberley Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Cape Verde have become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup-how did they do it? What was Egypt's role in mediating the deal to end the Gaza war?And how did The UAE became one of the biggest state investors in Africa?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya in London Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Join Dr. Mani Lacunze, an international relations lecturer, as he dives into Mali's precarious situation with the JNIM fuel blockade and its dire implications for governance and daily life. He discusses the economic strain on Malians facing transport and food shortages. Claire Mawisa, a BBC Africa Eye reporter, explores the world of self-proclaimed shamans in South Africa using psychedelics for mental health, shedding light on potential dangers and the blurred lines of legality. They also touch on the 'swag gap' trend, highlighting how style differences can impact relationships.

Cameroon holds presidential elections this Sunday with Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, seeking another seven-year term. At 92 years old, there have been concerns about his health and ability to rule. The credibility of the election commission has also been questioned. And insecurity is rife in the English speaking parts of  the country.  So, can the polls on Sunday be free and fair?Also in the programme: should advertising boards be removed from football pitches to avoid accidents like the injury suffered by Togo's Samuel Asamoah during a game in ChinaAnd Somalia is to introduce Swahili, the lingua franca of East Africa, to its national curriculumPresenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Jospeh Keen, Mark Wilberforce and Tanya Hines Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has asked for one year to fix the country's challenges, promising that if they persist, he will resign. He said this during a town-hall style meeting at his palace with various groups of government supporters. Many attendees had the opportunity to ask the president questions or simply share their views. We hear analysis.Also, South Africa’s highest court rules that all parents of newborns, will now be entitled to equal parental leave.And renewable energy overtakes coal as the world's leading source of electricity. What's the impact on African countries? Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Tanya Hines Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Eswatini accepts 10 more US deportees, despite rights groups in the southern African state mounting legal action to block the plan. We ask what has the Eswatini government got in return?Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaj, resigns after allegations that he forged his academic credentials.And nurses and midwives protest in Ghana for not being paid their salaries for nearly ten monthsPresenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Patricia Whitehorne, Alfonso Daniels and Bella Hassan Senior producer: Sunita Nahar Technical Producer: Nick Randell Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard