Africa Daily

Schools in South Sudan could remain closed for another four weeks as a severe heat wave continues in the country. Last week the government ordered schools across the country to close for two weeks as temperatures rose above 42°C, with reports indicating that an average of 12 students had been collapsing daily due to the soaring heat. It is the second consecutive year schools have been shut down during the hottest months, disrupting the academic calendar. Floods have in the past contributed to the instability of the education system in South Sudan, making it one of the countries with the highest rates of out-of-school children because of climate change. For Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja has been speaking to two students - Naomi and Maxwell. He also hears from school teacher Akot Aliel, about life in the classroom during the heat wave.(Audio updated: 0658 6/3/25)

The bacteria in our stomachs – known collectively as the microbiome - are increasingly seen by scientists as playing an important role in our overall health. According to research, it can show markers of disease as well as affect everything from digestion to mental health. Everyone has a different microbiome depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and various external factors. But data in Africa has been lacking. Now a new study of four different countries on the continent – Burkina Faso, South Africa, Kenya and Ghana - is starting to fill that gap. Alan Kasujja talks to two of the researchers involved. GUESTS: Dr Luicer Olubayo and Dr Ovokeraye Oduaran

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world - from healthcare to finance, agriculture to education. But in Africa, the stakes are different. How do we make sure AI isn’t just another import but is something built for Africans, by Africans? With so many languages, infrastructure gaps, and the need to protect our own data, building a truly African AI comes with big challenges, but also huge opportunities. Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja speaks to Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, to unpack what it will take to own our digital future—tackling everything from data sovereignty to local innovation.

The podcast dives into the heated debate surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations, particularly in relation to Mohamed Salah's Ballon d'Or chances. Former players passionately defend Afcon's significance, arguing it deserves respect alongside major tournaments. The discussion highlights personal stories, national pride, and the tournament's role in fostering unity and identity across Africa. Listeners can expect a lively exploration of how perceptions of Afcon impact the recognition of African football in the global arena.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently told journalists that he has no interest in extending his term of office. “These terms are very definite, and I’m so democratic. When they come to an end, I will step aside and my party will elect my successor”, he said. But will the head of state really hand over the baton to someone else? Towards the end of last year, Mnangagwa’s party, Zanu PF passed a resolution to extend his term when it ends in 2028. Some in Zimbabwe believe the president is in fact playing politics and that he intends to consolidate his power. At the same time, a group of Zanu PF war veterans are pushing for Mnangagwa to immediately vacate his office, accusing him of failing to improve the country. So, what does the future hold for the southern African nation? Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guests: Shingai Nyoka and Dr. Gideon Chitanga

Millions of people in Sudan are facing hunger and possible famine due to the war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia, which has been going on for almost two years. The country has the ability to feed itself if farmers could use the most fertile land, between the White and the Blue Nile rivers in El Gezira state. Although a massive irrigation scheme has been in place there for a century, the past choice of cash crops, along with mismanagement by the government have meant Sudan has not been able to benefit from the potential of this agricultural heartland, even before the current war saw most of the farming community flee.Guest: Professor Nisrin Elamin.

Warning: this pod contains description of violence from the beginning. “They died in the hands of the state. And to die in the hands of the state – that’s something we can’t just let pass… Without their rights they cannot rest in peace.” Nearly a month ago, M23 rebels captured the regional capital Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the time, one of the worst reported atrocities of the conflict took place – when more than 150 women prisoners and their children were killed in Munzenze Prison - after an intense fire broke out. The UN says most of the women were probably subjected to sexual violence before they died. The horror of it all has left family members trying desperately to find the remains of their loved ones. In this episode, Alan Kasujja speaks to Mwamisyo, an activist who was a prisoner at the time of the fire, and to Lumumba, whose aunt was one of the women who died.

Being online has become a huge part of our lives. Everywhere you look, you see people on their phones in homes, schools, work and markets.These devices are not just almost glued to our hands for fun, they are also crucial to people’s businesses and livelihoods.So earlier this year when Nigerian telecommunication companies announced they would be raising their prices, with some services increased by 50 percent, it got many Nigerians talking.These companies say they are doing this because they have to meet their costs as a result of economic factors such as inflation. So what is the price of being online and how are Nigerians being affected?Host: Alan Kasujja Guests: BBC reporter in Lagos, Yusuf Akinpelu and Taofeek Adeshina, photographer based in Lagos.

Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday, leaving many in mourning. The 57-year-old was a trailblazer, known for his advocacy and for creating safe spaces for queer Muslims. From founding The Inner Circle, a support group for queer Muslims, to leading an inclusive mosque, his work gave many a sense of belonging. Alan Kasujja speaks to those who knew and were inspired by him—including activists and religious leaders—to explore the impact of his life and tragic death. Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guests: Nicole McCain, Rev. Sharon Cox and SimSim.

“Our minerals, yes, are important for the advancement of the world, but they are also important for the progress of our people. We could share these minerals with the world, but our people must come first” - Shanty Tshiela Byart-Mutombo, DRC company owner On Friday, the 14th of February, the M23 rebels started entering Bukavu, having already captured another strategic city, Goma. The Rwandan-backed militants' progress comes despite international calls for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks aimed at ending the conflict in the DRC. For more than three decades, armed groups have competed with the central government for power and control of the mineral-rich country. The conflict has claimed countless lives over the years, with hundreds of thousands of people being displaced in the last few weeks alone. Its impact is being felt by citizens and businesses countrywide. Today Alan Kasujja sits down with local entrepreneur Shanty Tshiela Byart-Mutombo, to find out what it’s like to run a company during such a difficult time.