Africa Daily

Burkina Faso's military rulers have disbanded the country's electoral commission calling it a waste of money. The government says the interior ministry will handle elections in the future. Will this move by the ruling junta further delay democratic elections?Hundreds of thousands of premature deaths occur each year in Africa due to illnesses caused by cooking with polluting fuels like wood, charcoal and even animal dung. So what is being done to ensure more people have access to clean cooking?And why are ancient and cultural heritage sites in Ethiopia facing a crisis.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Sunita Nahar and Nyasha Michelle in London Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Cameroon's Paul Biya has the distinction of being 'the world's oldest sitting president' and yet at age 92, he is seeking to run for an eighth term, that will see him serve until he is almost 100 years old. How much popular support does he have, and how strong is the opposition?Sudan's newly appointed prime minister, Kamal Idris, has named his cabinet ministers who will form his "government of hope". How will they function in the country still in the grip of war?And after the announcement by Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is complete and will be officially inaugurated in September, why has US President Donald Trump weighed in on the long-running dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the giant construction?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Sunita Nahar and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producers: Patricia Whitehorne and Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Ghanaian authorities have rescued more than 70 young men from a trafficking ring in Nigeria. The men thought they were heading for football contracts or overseas opportunities. Why has football become a gateway for trafficking? Leaders from five African countries - Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal - have been invited to a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. What will they discuss? And we hear how women in Morocco are keeping the art of rug-weaving alive, and how traditional rugs are a symbol of cultural identity. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Alfonso Daniels and Sunita Nahar in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp

Angola was certified as polio-free in 2015, but is now combating a new outbreak of the disease after several cases were reported in a Western province. What has caused the virus to come back?A new report says Islamist militants are using Starlink technology to ramp up operational capabilities in Niger. And why are South Sudanese women fashion's favourites and are being sought after on the catwalk?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Alfonso Daniels in London Senior Producers: Patricia Whitehorne and Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Paul Mellie, a consulting fellow at Chatham House, offers insights into the Wagner Group's pullout from Mali, discussing its mixed legacy and Russia's enduring influence in the region. Lebo Diseko highlights the impressive growth of Christianity in Africa, now home to over a third of global Christians, driven by a youthful population blending traditional beliefs with faith. Lucas Olo Fernandez sheds light on Annobón's independence movement, revealing its calls for Argentine support and the cultural identity struggles of its people amidst neglect and hardship.

A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extend of problem in the country. Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?And a tribute to and exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who has died at the age of 87.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

US embassies globally have halted student visa appointments, as social media vetting expands. How is Africa affected?Why is Zimbabwe's controversial radio tax now being implemented?  And how can AI predict and prevent child malnutrition in Kenya?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Russia's 13th International Security Summit in Moscow attracts over forty African leaders. How significant is it and what does it mean for the continent, especially for the Sahel? Also, Boeing seals a deal with the US Department of Justice over the fatal crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed hundreds of people. One family who lost their son and daughter-in-law in the 2019 Ethiopian plane crash share their reaction with us. And the impact of the temporary closure of Ghana's embassy in US over an alleged visa scandal.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Uganda cuts military ties with Germany following diplomatic rift.Somalia's government moves to control clan militias fighting al-Shabab - after allegations of serious atrocities.And will Starlink's strategy of 'winning big by thinking small' help them cover the African continent?Presenter:  Blessing Aderogba Producers: Bella Hassan, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya. Technical Producer Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The big stories from across the continent and the African perspective on major global stories. Africa Daily has now closed. You will get Focus on Africa episodes here this week. For future episodes, search for Focus on Africa, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.