Africa Daily

The economic aftershocks from the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine are being felt by economies around the world. Many countries have seen their currencies lose their value and a rapid rise in inflation. This is being felt acutely in many African countries where the falling value of many currencies is causing economic hardship because money isn’t buying as much as it did at the beginning of the year. Africa Daily’s Ferdinand Omondi has been looking at the cause and solutions to this economic turmoil.

Brazil, the land of samba and football. It’s also a country with close ties to Africa, through long years of slavery, centuries ago.It currently has the largest black population outside of Africa. With the imminent return to power of Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula, some may wonder what his win means for Africa.When the left wing leader was president from 2003 to 2010, Brazil-Africa relations blossomed.Trade to Africa ran into the billions of dollars from 2000 to 2008, and much of this came from mining, infrastructure, construction and agriculture.But then the relationship declined. So what happened? What changed and what lies ahead? These are some of the questions Ferdinand Omondi got into with Dr. Alex Vines, Managing Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, a think tank in the United Kingdom.

People in Mogadishu are in mourning once again. At least 120 people were killed when two car bombs exploded outside the Ministry of Education on Saturday. The government says the militant group al-Shabab were behind the attack - their deadliest for five years. President Hassan Sheik Mohamud says he will wage a full war on those responsible. So, what is behind the latest attack? And what can be done to stop the militants?#AfricaDaily

Earlier this month, a mass grave containing 25 bodies was discovered in Malawi. Investigators there are still working to find out exactly what happened to these people. But the government believes they were Ethiopian and that it is possible that they were being trafficked. The possibility has put a spotlight on migration routes from north to southern Africa and the conditions people face along the way. People have been making similar journeys for many years though. So why are people migrating? And what is it like for those on the move? #AfricaDaily

Climate change is on people’s mind, and with the climate summit - COP27 - about to kick off in Egypt, it continues to be a hot topic. And some of the little decisions we make every day are helping to fuel the rapid climate changes. Even those that you might not give a second thought – hair, for example. Experts say synthetic hair, which is found in extensions and wigs, worn by millions around the world, harms the environment, especially in Africa where synthetic hair is big business. So today for Africa Daily podcast, Alana Kasujja is look at what impact the flowing weaves preferred by many are having on the environment and what possible solutions there are out there. He hears from consumers, experts and someone who’s trying to find a solution – Juliet Tumusiime, an entrepreneur with a hair venture - Cheveux Organique – that is making hair from banana fibre.

Famo is often described as Lesotho’s “traditional music” and is the country’s leading music genre. In recent times, rivalry among Famo artistes has led to bloodshed. Some music experts say this recent behaviour mirrors some of the US hip hop rivaly in the 1990s; the so-called East Coast v West Coast beef. Many Famo artists are divided into two warring factions, Terene and Seakhi. Terene members are known for draping their distinct yellow traditional blankets over their shoulders. Those who belong to Seakhi, prefer blue and black blankets. The two have been clashing for years, leading to the deaths of dozens of people. But what’s behind the battles? Alan Kasujja speaks to Famo’s experts and local musicians.

Travelers from African countries are more likely to need a visa to travel overseas. Lengthy applications asking for bank statements and marriage certificates can make planning a trip more difficult. But even with a visa in your hand, making it to your destination might not go smoothly. Recently high profile officials have complained of being treated poorly while trying to pass through immigration at airports. So, what’s the reality of trying to travel on an African passport?#AfricaDaily

12 months ago today the Sudanese military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, took control of the government in a military coup. The prime minister and his cabinet were arrested, the government dissolved. Sudan's economy, which had already been in crisis with high inflation and food, fuel and medicine shortages, plunged further. Thousands of civilians took to the streets to voice their opposition to the military takeover. Before the coup, military and civilian leaders had been sharing power in a transitional government. This union was fragile and had been formed after mass protests in 2019, which eventually led to the end of President Omar al-Bashir’s rule. So today Alan Kasujja has been looking at how much has changed in Sudan since the military coup in 2021.

In Uganda it’s not unusual to send children to boarding school – in a tradition that dates back to colonial times. But now a Professor of Psychiatry, Professor Seggane Musisi, has spoken out against boarding schools – warning he’s seeing more children reporting mental health problems like depression and suicidal thoughts because of overwork and tiredness. Many schools get children up at 4 or 5am to start lessons early – and Professor Musisi says some students report being got out of bed at 2am. Another concern he raises is bullying by both children and staff. So should Uganda take another look at its boarding school system – and the welfare of the children who go through it? Alan Kasujja – himself a boarder from the age of 9 – gets the thoughts of both experts and students.

In Uganda it’s not unusual to send children to boarding school – in a tradition that dates back to colonial times. But now a Professor of Psychiatry, Professor Seggane Musisi, has spoken out against boarding schools – warning he’s seeing more children reporting mental health problems like depression and suicidal thoughts because of overwork and tiredness. Many schools get children up at 4 or 5am to start lessons early – and Professor Musisi says some students report being got out of bed at 2am. Another concern he raises is bullying by both children and staff. So should Uganda take another look at its boarding school system – and the welfare of the children who go through it? Alan Kasujja – himself a boarder from the age of 9 – gets the thoughts of both experts and students.