Africa Daily

An industry that is truly a diamond in the rough. Africa may be rich in precious stones, but its jewellery industry has struggled to compete with Asian and European companies. Some economists say the sector has huge potential and that, with the right investment, it could create millions of jobs across the continent. So, what’s holding our jewellers back?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Emanuela Gregorio, coordinator of Fashionomics Africa and economist at the African Development Bank; Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong.#AfricaDaily

Thousands of Africans are making their way to Tokyo for the Olympics. The games get underway this month after a year long delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Just days before the athlete’s village officially opened last week, Tokyo entered another state of emergency. But the stadiums are ready, and athletes are arriving. In today’s episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at what we can expect from the continent’s competitors.Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Celestine Karoney (@CJKaroney on Twitter)

Looting and violence. Days of unrest have taken their toll on South Africa’s two largest provinces: Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Rioting has left stores depleted, and food supplies are now running low. Thousands of troops have been deployed to restore order. But how did this crisis begin?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Vumani Mkhize, BBC reporter in South Africa.#AfricaDaily

How many bills do you need to buy a loaf of bread? The dollar isn’t taking Zimbabweans as far as it used to: life is getting more and more expensive. The central bank has introduced a new bill worth 50 Zimbabwean dollars, the highest banknote going around. But this alone has brought back bad memories: could the days of hyperinflation (and bills with far too many zeroes) be back?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Ranga Mberi, Zimbabwean journalist. #AfricaDaily

Cars, motorbikes, boats… You name it. The Ugandan government wants every vehicle in the country to be equipped with a digital tracker. They say this is about fighting insecurity, but some people feel this will put them under permanent surveillance by the state. Do they have a point? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Darren Allan, journalist; Shafiq Ismail, car dealer; Jacky Kemigisa, journalist; Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance.#AfricaDaily

In June this year the bodies of 20 suspected illegal miners were found near an abandoned goldmine shaft just outside Johannesburg. The bodies were wrapped in white plastic bags and were severely burnt. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of their death. But the incident has once again bought to the fore the problem of illegal mining in the country – an industry that costs the authorities millions of dollars in lost revenue and is extremely dangerous for those involved. In the next episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja has been looking at why this activity is so hard to stop. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Mpho Lakaje, South African journalist.

Before his death, Tanzania’s President John Magufuli gained notoriety for denying Covid was a problem. He refused to sign up for vaccines, instead recommending prayers and herbal remedies. Now President Samia Suluhu is in charge. She has acknowledged that Covid is circulating in Tanzania and it’s now her job to tackle the pandemic. But what’s she done so far? Is it enough?

The youngest nation is the world is turning 10. But it’s fair to say that, after a decade of independence, not everything has gone according to plan. A civil war tore through the country. The economy remains fragile. So, do the people of South Sudan feel the occasion calls for a party? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Nichola Mandil, journalist in Juba, South Sudan.#AfricaDaily

Has Jacob Zuma finally run out of luck? The future of the former South African president is hanging in the balance. For months, his many legal troubles have fed daily headlines in the press. And yet, despite being sentenced to a 15-month jail term, for many he remains a hero – but why? How did the “Teflon president” fall from grace? And what does it all mean for South Africa?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Nomsa Maseko, BBC’s Southern Africa correspondent; Lawson Naidoo, Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution.#AfricaDaily

Nigerians are feeling the pinch. Rising food prices have made it harder for many families to fill their shopping baskets. Staple foods like eggs or rice are no longer as affordable as they used to be. It’s inflation, say the economists. But how did life get so expensive? And what is the Nigerian government doing about it? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Kunle Falayi, business reporter for the BBC in Lagos. #AfricaDaily