Rebecca Cheptegei, an accomplished athlete, tragically lost her life to gender-based violence at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, leaving behind two young daughters. The discussion reveals the harsh realities female athletes face in Africa, including systemic violence and exploitation by those closest to them. Former Sports Minister Professor Hellen Sambili expresses concerns over the safety of women in sports. The podcast calls for urgent reforms and a cultural shift to empower and protect these vulnerable athletes from such horrific acts.

Tendai Mtawarira, also known as 'the Beast', is the most-capped prop for the Springboks and a champion of youth empowerment through his 'Beast Academy'. In this conversation, he shares his journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa, highlighting the challenges he faced regarding nationality and identity. He emphasizes the role of education in achieving dreams, alongside the inspiring story of a young South Sudanese woman who overcame adversity to mentor others. Both advocate for the power of community and resilience in creating brighter futures for youth.

"The pilot told us, ‘Don’t go back...either you will be raped or killed at the airport if you go back.’"Safia Omer, a former member of Somalia’s national women’s basketball team, vividly remembers the day she knew she couldn’t return home. In 1991, as civil war erupted in Somalia, Safia and her teammates were in Ethiopia for a tournament when they were warned that it was too dangerous to return. Stranded for 10 days at the airport, Safia eventually sought refuge in the United States, mirroring the fate of many Somalis who fled the escalating violence. Today, Somalia continues to struggle with insecurity and violence from the extremist group Al-Shabab, preventing many from returning home. But each summer, Somalis from around the world make their way to Ashland, Oregon where they reunite to share stories, reminisce, and of course, play basketball.Presenter: Alan Kasujja. Guests: Abdiaziz Guled, Safia Omer, and Abukar Shiino

Fauziyya Tukur, a member of the BBC’s global disinformation team, delves into the intriguing dynamics of the African Initiative, a Russian media organization established as an 'information bridge' to Africa. She discusses its controversial approach to disinformation targeting African journalists, particularly in countries like Mali and Niger. The conversation highlights the challenges to the global order, examining the discontent of African leaders and the impact of social media on shaping perceptions amid rising anti-Western sentiments.

Hear heart-wrenching stories from survivors of the devastating flood in Derna, Libya, where entire neighborhoods vanished overnight. Mariam, a medical student, shares her harrowing experience and the emotional toll of losing loved ones. The podcast delves into the community's resilience, the struggle to rebuild lives amidst grief, and the importance of familial bonds. Listeners are inspired to embrace gratitude and appreciate life's small comforts as they navigate their healing journeys after such a tragic disaster.

Tensions are rising in the Horn of Africa as Egypt offers military support to Somalia, alarming Ethiopia. The historical backdrop involves Ethiopia's battle against Al-Shabaab and the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Newly forged agreements give Ethiopia access to the sea, but Somalia views this as a threat to its territory. Moreover, the ongoing water conflict over the Nile adds another layer of complexity to the already fragile regional dynamics. Experts voice concerns about potential military escalations as relationships shift.

Tunisia is bracing for a crucial presidential election amidst political unrest. Key leaders have been arrested, raising concerns over the fairness of the electoral process. President Kais Saied's controversial decisions, including suspending parliament and dismissing ministers, have sparked accusations of power grabs. The podcast delves into the oppressive political climate, the suppression of opposition, and the struggles for democracy and judicial independence that define contemporary Tunisia. As the nation faces disillusionment, the resilience of its political prisoners shines through.

Saida Idris, a resident of Kipini village on the Kenyan coast, shares her firsthand experience of devastating coastal erosion that has already consumed 10 kilometers of land and displaced thousands. She discusses the urgent need for protective measures and community resilience in the face of rising sea levels. Conservationist George Odera adds insights on the economic fallout for local businesses and fishing practices. The conversation highlights the need for informed investments and effective adaptation strategies to combat this pressing environmental crisis.

Ivan Bamweyana, a Ugandan Earth Observation expert, and David Mpanga, a renowned lawyer, dive into the tragic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala. They discuss the systemic failures and warnings that went unheeded, leading to devastating consequences for local residents. The conversation highlights the urgent need for technological monitoring in waste management and explores the legal ramifications of negligence. Both guests advocate for accountability and reform to prevent future disasters, shedding light on the challenges facing Kampala's governance.

In this discussion, a Nigerian farmer and a Tanzanian farmer shed light on the pressing challenges in African agriculture. They tackle deteriorating soil quality, rising costs, and insecurity impacting food production. The conversation highlights the upcoming Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, where young people and women are deemed crucial for sustainable farming. The farmers advocate for better access to capital and support systems to empower the next generation in agriculture, while stressing the importance of tangible outcomes from conferences.