Africa Daily

What is Russia's game plan in the Central African Republic? A private military firm from Russia has been hired to help defend the country. But, in recent months, UN experts have accused the company of various human rights abuses. So, what exactly are they doing there? And why?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Beverly Ochieng, BBC Monitoring#AfricaDaily

Uganda’s motorcycle taxi riders could be hindering the country’s fight against HIV. While HIV has declined in Uganda over the past few decades, sexual health experts fear it could be increasing in certain parts of the population. A new study by Makerere University found that boda boda riders are engaging in transactional sex with customers. In Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why they are particularly at risk of contracting HIV. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Charles Owekmeno, head of the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights alliance in Uganda

Watch out for the new kid in the block. South Sudan may be a young country – but when it comes to basketball, it’s quickly becoming a powerhouse for the sport in Africa. Both the men’s and the women’s national teams want a slice of glory at the AfroBasket tournaments happening this year. Could this be their moment?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: James Copnall, BBC World Service presenter and former South Sudan correspondent.#AfricaDaily

Can Ethiopia make this election count? A war, a possible famine, ethnic tensions: it’s fair to say the country’s got a lot on its plate right now. And yet, amidst all this, a general election is being held – the first one since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. Not everyone’s convinced the results will be meaningful, but why exactly? How much does this vote matter?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Kaleb Moges, BBC Amharic.#AfricaDaily

The age of cannabis has begun – or has it? Morocco has become the latest country in Africa to allow farmers to grow cannabis for medicinal and industrial use. Entrepreneurs say there’s good money to be made by exporting the crop to the rest of the world. But how big is this opportunity?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Tony Budden, founding partner, Hemporium; Linda Siboto, co-founder of Cheeba Africa; Nebert Nyirenda, farm manager in Malawi.#AfricaDaily

Has global warming made us more depressed? There’s no doubt climate change is totally changing the world we live in, but some of these changes are more unexpected than others. Take mental health: scientists say problems like depression and anxiety are spreading faster due to the impact of climate change. How come? And what can be done about it?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Rose Oduor; Dr Obed Ogega, climate scientist.#AfricaDaily

The World Health Organisation has said there is a threat of a third wave of Covid in Africa, describing new infections as real and rising. The strain named Delta and first identified in India has now been identified in at least a dozen African countries. The situation has been made worse by the slow pace at which Africa has been able to access and provide vaccinations across the continent. In the next episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why Covid is on the rise again. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Dr Thierno Blade, the WHO Programme Manager for Strategic Partnership

Africa’s is the most sun-rich continent in the world – and yet, over 570 million people in sub-Saharan countries have no access to electricity. So, why aren’t these countries tapping into the potential of solar power? And what role can entrepreneurs play in solving energy shortages?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Victor Koyier, analyst, Africa Solar Industry Association; Andrew Ssentongo, founder of GRS Commodities.#AfricaDaily

Can you ever be too old for politics? Judging by the average age of our leaders, probably not. African presidents are, on average, in their early sixties. And yet Africa remains the youngest continent in the world, with more than half of its people under 25. Why is this a problem? And, more importantly, what exactly is holding young people back?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: William Gumede, chairman of the Democracy Works Foundation; Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghanaian politician; Isata Kabia, a former MP and minister in Sierra Leone. #AfricaDaily

Laurent Gbagbo has good reason to be cheerful. The International Criminal Court is no longer breathing down the neck of the former Ivorian president: in March, it upheld his acquittal on charges of crimes against humanity. And the current government says Gbagbo is now free to return home, something he intends to do this month. But will he get a hero’s welcome when he lands in the capital? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Lalla Sy, BBC reporter in Ivory Coast#AfricaDaily