

Focus on Africa
BBC World Service
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 24, 2023 • 33min
Why is Abyei contested by Sudan and South Sudan?
The United Nations says at least 75 people have been killed in Abyei. It's a highly contested region, sandwiched between Sudan and South Sudan. While the borders between the two countries were agreed, Abiye was left unallocated. What's the reason behind the ongoing battle for Abyei? Also Mali's military junta have retaken a town held by Tuareg rebels, with the help of Wagner mercenaries. So where does this leave Mali?And the award winning Mozambican photographer Mario Macilau, tells us what inspires him.

Nov 23, 2023 • 28min
Why did Ethiopia rebel talks end in deadlock?
Another round of peace talks between Ethiopia and the Oromo rebel group aimed at ending years of conflict end without a deal. What does this mean for the country’s unity?Why does cheating in exams occur? We look at a problem many African countries are grappling with.Plus, an Irish woman explains why she is returning African artefacts from her late father's collection.

Nov 22, 2023 • 28min
What is President Weah's legacy in Liberia?
As Liberians wait to swear in President-elect Joseph Boakai, we look back at George Weah's time in office. Why did he lose the last election? What impact did he make?Also what happened at the stadium in the Brazaville-Congo where 37 people died and over 100 were injured? And how the rise in the cost of living is forcing girls out of schools in some African countries.

Nov 21, 2023 • 29min
Why no plastic pollution deal was reached
The United Nations recently held the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, in order to develop an international treaty on plastic pollution. However, campaigners have accused oil and plastic producing countries as well as special interest groups of delaying progress.Over 20 African countries are on the slippery path to debt distress. What is it, and what can they do to avoid it?And is the development of women's footballing talent in Africa stuck in the slow lane?

Nov 20, 2023 • 31min
Can African- led negotiations achieve peace for Sudan?
There's a fresh call from the Sudan Humanitarian crisis conference in Cairo to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The three-day conference concludes today with peacebuilding experts suggesting, negotiations in Sudan this time round, should largely be African-led. Also is there press freedom in Eritrea? The founder of ERISAT, which has been broadcasting in the country since 2018 shares her experience.And how a production company in the UK, is changing the narrative of Somali women in Britain.

Nov 17, 2023 • 32min
What reparations does Africa want?
Calls for a global fund to compensate Africans for the transatlantic slave trade were made at a recent summit in Ghana. However, what form should this compensation take?Sudan civil war: Returning home to Port Sudan after escaping clashes bewteen Sudan government solders and the RSF paramilitary unit. Reporter Osman Mohamed shares his experience. At nearly five million, the country officially has the highest number of internally displaced people in the world.And a South African initiative which gives abandoned babies a new lease of life ordered to close for ''breaking law''

Nov 16, 2023 • 29min
Is Zimbabwe's political opposition in disarray?
Over thirty MPs from Zimbabwe's opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change, have lost their seats. There have also been four abductions and a death. What's going on? We shine a light on abusive work practices on foreign flagged fishing boats operating in Africa.And what's behind the world record breaking craze in Nigeria? A Nigerian woman has broken a record for making the longest hand-made wig. It stretches up to 351.28 metres!

Nov 15, 2023 • 30min
Madagascar braces for controversial election
People in Madagascar will head to the polls on Thursday, but 10 of the 13 candidates have called for a boycott of a presidential election which follows months of street protests. We look at why questions over the President Andry Rajoelina’s dual French nationality have contributed to a contentious campaign.Translators who have worked for German troops serving as United Nations peacekeepers in Mali say they fear reprisal attacks from jihadist militants, as the UN winds up its mission.2026 FIFA World Cup: Africa’s qualifiers kick off today, with a record number of teams from the continent set to make it to the finals.

Nov 14, 2023 • 32min
Why are Nigeria's labour unions striking again?
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have today asked their members to down their tools indefinitely. The two, are Nigeria's biggest labour representatives. They accuse the government of failing to meet their demands. What do they want?Also, after the recent apology by German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier where he expressed "shame" for the colonial atrocities his country inflicted on Tanzania, we look at Germany's colonial history across Africa.And we meet the African photographer Sarah Waiswa who is determined to show case the continent through a different lens.

Nov 13, 2023 • 35min
Why is East Africa being devastated by floods?
Thousands of people in the Horn of Africa and East Africa have been uprooted by what the UN has called “once-in-a-century“ floods. We look at why this is happening now.Kenya's Ogiek community condemns the government, over forceful evictions that have forced members from their ancestral land.Plus, the initiative bringing hope to talented young South African musicians from townships in Cape Town.