Focus on Africa

Kalkidan Yibeltal, a BBC reporter, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia, where starvation has affected over 200 lives due to conflict and drought. Kabir Adamo, a security analyst, highlights Nigeria's alarming rise in kidnappings for ransom, emphasizing the role of crowdfunding as a desperate solution. Jumoke Fashola, a documentary maker, explores the multifaceted identity of Black African Britons, shedding light on their influential contributions to UK society and the broader themes of belonging and culture.

Zambia is battling one of its worst cholera outbreaks in recent years. More than 300 people have died and nearly 6,000 active cases have been registered.Why did Nigeria’s Central Bank dissolve boards of three lenders?And the young Ghanaian entrepreneur using solar technology to help farmers protect their produce from wastage

Burundi has closed its borders with Rwanda after accusing its neighbour of funding rebel attacks. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies the charge, but Burundi's government has branded him a "bad neighbour". Can the two neigbours overcome their differences?Also a report on migrant workers facing forced labour and exploitation in MauritiusAnd a doctor from Sierra Leone tells us how his country and developing countries can hold onto their health care workers.

Cape Verde becomes the first sub-Saharan country to get rid of the deadly malaria disease in 50 yearsWhy is South Africa aiming to legislate for proper labelling of foodstuffs? And the anticipation and excitement of the African Cup of Nations which kicks off in Ivory Coast this weekend !

Voters in Comoros head to the polls on Sunday to elect the next president. The incumbent Azali Assoumani is seeking a fourth term, but who are his main challengers? The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, this Sunday, but next time hosts Kenya did not qualify for this year’s tournament. Former Kenyan international Musa Otieno says the game’s infrastructure in the country needs to improve. And Knives down, Gloves up, we hear from a young man with Ivorian and Guinean heritage, on the connection between good mental health and sport and why he established a boxing club after a lifechanging act of violence.

South Africa is taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza. Tensions rise between Somalia and Somaliland over a seaport access deal. The future of Artificial Intelligence in Africa is explored.

Serena Williams, a sport's all-time greats, discusses her admiration for the images of young African tennis players taken by a Ghanaian photographer. The podcast also explores the confusion surrounding Kenya's new visa-free policy and the rebuilding efforts in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai.

A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse by the founder of one of the world's biggest evangelical churches the late TB Joshua. Former members accuse him of rape, torture and forced abortions. As Senegalese courts deal blow to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's presidential hopes, What does this portend for the coming elections?And why is the Nigerian government on a crackdown of fake degrees?

Troops from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), that includes Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, have been deployed to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the M23 and other armed groups. They have replaced the UN mission Monusco and an east African force that was deemed to be ineffective. Can Sadc succeed in reducing instability in the region?Thousands of unaccompanied children were among record numbers of irregular migrants who arrived in Spain last year. Amnesty International in Spain says the authorities there are overwhelmed.And nine months on from the outbreak of hostilities between rival military factions in Sudan, what is life like for ordinary citizens? We hear from one resident in the capital, Khartoum.

Why was Sierra Leone's ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma charged with treason ? He has denied any involvement in an attack which killed about 20 people last November.Where next for Chad after a contested constitutional referendum vote?And renowned cellist Abel Selaocoe on how South African oral traditions are connected to classical music.