

Africa Daily
BBC World Service
Africa Daily has now come to an end. But do listen to Focus on Africa for all the big stories and for the African perspective on major global news. Hosted by Audrey Brown and ready by late afternoon every weekday. Search for Focus on Africa, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2024 • 20min
Can African countries stop coastal erosion?
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.

Sep 3, 2024 • 20min
Was the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala avoidable?
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.

Sep 2, 2024 • 19min
What should be done to support Africa’s farmers?
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.

Aug 30, 2024 • 17min
What impact could Burkina Faso massacre have on military regime?
A devastating massacre in Burkina Faso highlights the urgent need for united civilian support of military forces. An Al-Qaeda-linked group has intensified violence, challenging the government's efforts to regain control. The military regime's reliance on Russian support raises questions about future collaborations. As fear grows among civilians, the potential fallout for the military's recruitment strategies is explored. The shocking attack underscores the precarious security landscape, demanding urgent responses from both the government and the people.

Aug 29, 2024 • 23min
Why are some South Africans opposed to anti-immigrant campaigns?
Samuel Makgowa, a South African landlord known for his community support, discusses the ongoing anti-immigrant campaigns in Soweto. He emphasizes the crucial role foreign nationals play in local development, challenging the negative perceptions surrounding them. Despite recent protests led by groups like Operation Dudula, the podcast highlights the positive relationships and contributions immigrants bring to their neighborhoods. It also examines the complexities of ownership, economic competition, and calls for nuanced understanding and better government policies.

Aug 28, 2024 • 19min
What are the challenges Paralympians face?
The journey of African Paralympians is filled with resilience and inspiration. Most face significant hurdles, from sourcing costly equipment to inadequate training support. Asiya, a Kenyan athlete, shares her transition from wheelchair tennis to para-rowing, showcasing her determination despite adversity. The podcast highlights the stark inequalities in resource allocation between able-bodied and para athletes. It emphasizes the urgent need for societal change and greater recognition to empower these remarkable individuals in their pursuit of excellence.

Aug 27, 2024 • 21min
Is nationalism fuelling racist attacks against African migrants?
Toyyib Adelodun, a Nigerian migrant in the UK, shares his harrowing experiences of rising nationalism and its link to racist attacks against African migrants. He reflects on the shock of witnessing violent protests fueled by misinformation, particularly surrounding a tragic incident involving the deaths of three girls. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of social media in spreading xenophobia and the challenges that migrants face in their quest for belonging and acceptance in foreign cultures.

Aug 26, 2024 • 19min
How important is space travel for Africa?
Sara Sabry, the first African woman in space and founder of the Deep Space Initiative, discusses the relevance of space travel to Africa. She emphasizes the need for women to overcome self-doubt and seize opportunities. The conversation covers how investing in space can address pressing issues like agriculture and climate management. With aspirations for a future community on the moon, Sara inspires African women to follow ambitious dreams and highlights the importance of unity and resilience in pursuing careers in space exploration.

Aug 23, 2024 • 19min
Who’s speaking up for African nations in the global battle against climate change?
Kulthoum Omari, Africa’s lead negotiator in climate talks, passionately advocates for the continent's urgent needs amidst a global crisis. She highlights Africa's alarming vulnerability despite its minimal carbon footprint. Kulthoum discusses the challenges of representing 54 nations and emphasizes the need for multifaceted strategies, combining local knowledge with scientific research. Additionally, she advocates for greater representation of youth and women in climate discussions, while balancing the focus on urgent action against climate change.

Aug 22, 2024 • 14min
Why are farmers struggling to feed Africa?
Farmers in Africa face a bleak reality as food insecurity rises, with over 300 million experiencing acute hunger. The challenges include climate change, conflict, and soaring costs that leave farmers struggling to invest and recover. Personal stories reveal the harsh impact of market instability and crop loss. Female farmers face unique societal hurdles while innovative solutions like greenhouse farming are suggested. Despite these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope with recent policy changes aimed at boosting sustainable agriculture.