In today's Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong Akinboboye.She campaigns for a better understanding of mental health in Cameroon. She founded two NGOs, Positive Youths Africa which is based on encouraging positive mental health for young people and Afrogiveness which uses art therapy, amongst other methods, to help survivors of conflict and discrimination. Her work has reached an estimated 100,000 people. These include victims of the Boko Haram insurgency which has spilled over from Nigeria into Cameroon and the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon between English and French-speaking parts of the country.

Mpho Lakaje, a Johannesburg-based BBC journalist, shares insights on Africa's future trajectory. They discuss groundbreaking advancements like the innovative HIV drug Lennacapivir, emphasizing accessibility challenges. Political turbulence is highlighted, with ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel, plus looming elections in Tanzania and Ethiopia. The conversation also hints at economic woes in Nigeria and societal unrest in Mozambique. With a touch of humor, they set New Year's resolutions, reflecting on the younger generation's role in shaping the continent's future.

Which news stories have stuck with you over the last year? Sudan? Mpox? The Gen Z protests? What about the cost of living? Alan Kasujja is joined by three BBC colleagues in South, East and West Africa to unpack the biggest issues which impacted the continent in 2024. With presenter Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja), Africa Daily’s @Mpholakaje in Johannesburg, East Africa Deployments Editor @RuthNesoba in Nairobi, and BBC journalist @Chrisewokor in Abuja.

"The power of live entertainment is unmatched." In today’s podcast, we explore the vibrant culture of African festivals and their growing impact on the continent's economy and global influence. Events like Flytime Fest in Lagos and Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar draw thousands of visitors annually, fuelling tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange.But what does it take to organise a music festival?Alan Kasujja speaks to Keke Hammond, Chief Operating Officer of Flytime Fest, and Journey Ramadhan, Managing Director of Sauti Za Busara.

What and who made you the person you are today? It’s a big question and the answer is different for us all. Over the festive period Alan Kasujja has been exploring this subject with people who have gone on to do amazing things in their lives. Today’s guest is the Right Reverend Dr Vicentia Kgabe, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lesotho. She grew up in Soweto in Johannesburg when there were no female priests but she says she knew from an early age knew that she wanted to become a priest. Her ambition caused some consternation within her family, a priest dismissed the idea and said she should focus on her education. So how did she manage to plot her path to go from a priest, to the head of a training college for clergy and finally to a position of leadership in the Anglican church when so many people told her it was impossible?

Meaza Ashenafi, Ethiopia’s first female Chief Justice, shares her inspiring journey from a small town to breaking barriers in the judicial system. She discusses her challenges as the sole woman in her law class and her dedication to human rights. Meaza reflects on her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize and the resilience required to navigate a male-dominated field. She emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership in law and how personal experiences shape the fight for justice in developing countries.

‘‘I was a very ambitious young girl, I looked at Margaret Thatcher and Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, and I said well, if they can do it at that level, why not me?’’ What and who made you the person you are today? It’s a big question and the answer is different for us all. Over the festive period Alan Kasujja will be exploring this subject with people who have gone on to do amazing things in their lives. In the first interview of this special series, Alan speaks to former Senegalese Prime Minister Dr Aminata Toure.As she pursued her education in France and the USA, Aminata was clear in her mind what she wanted to do: champion human and women’s rights.Her work on reproductive health in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and later with the United Nations would help her prepare a set of priorities for when her opportunity would come to serve in the government.But it wasn’t all work and she loved football and judo - interests her mother worried would stop her from finding a husband.

Bridget Mangwandi, a trailblazing 20-year-old from South Africa, made history as the youngest MasterChef winner and the first black woman to achieve this title. She shares how she transformed the challenges of her age into an empowering strength. Bridget discusses her creative final challenge, reimagining a cherished family dish, and reflects on the influence of her biochemistry background on her culinary skills. With a vision for inspiring youth through cooking, she also elaborates on the significance of African culinary traditions and her future aspirations.

In the vibrant coastal city of Durban, the contrast between holiday joy and homelessness becomes stark. Hear personal stories from individuals facing eviction and survival struggles amidst the festive season. Community support shines through, as friendships blossom among the homeless, reflecting hope and resilience. Inspiring young people are stepping up to tackle these challenges, showcasing their role in driving social change. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the pressing issue of homelessness as many seek connection and stability during the holidays.

In today’s episode, our presenter Alan Kasujja meets South African musician and writer Lebohang Morake. Popularly known as Lebo M, he co-wrote and sang the music for the Disney movie The Lion King back in 1994. 30 years later he is doing the same for the prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, he was in London to attend the film’s premiere. He talks to Alan about how he went from the slums of Soweto to the red carpets of the world. “I’m born into the most racially divided society in the world, South Africa. I’m born into apartheid. That means, I don’t know what it is like to be in a ‘multiracial environment’ until I get to America”, he tells our presenter.