

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

Jan 25, 2022 • 15min
Will Lesotho’s vaccine mandate work?
Nearly 900,000 people have received the Covid vaccine in Lesotho.
That’s almost half the population of 2 million people.
And the government is keen to see that figure rise and has introduced a vaccine mandate.
People now have to be vaccinated to have access to their work place and many public services.
But not everyone is happy.
Many people are still reluctant to get jabbed and not everyone thinks rules like this are the solution.
So, will Lesotho’s vaccine mandate work?#AfricaDaily

Jan 24, 2022 • 15min
Are coups on the rise in Africa?
In the years between 1999 and 2020, fewer coups took place than in previous decades.
Many hoped they’d been largely consigned to history.
But in 2021 it seemed like coups were becoming a regular event once again.
In Mali, Sudan and Guinea, governments were overthrown by the military. And there was an attempt to do so in Niger.
So, is this a new trend? Are coups really on the rise in Africa?
#AfricaDaily

Jan 21, 2022 • 15min
Why is Nigeria’s ‘sachet economy’ booming?
Buying items in small sachets, instead of full size packs, is nothing new in Nigeria.
But over the past year, an ever wider range of products have become available in these small plastic pouches.
Even sanitary pads are sold in packs of just two.
They may be cheaper, but they aren’t always economical in the long run.
Inflation in Nigeria peaked at 18% last year. And food inflation reached a high of 23%.
It means people’s wages aren’t stretching as far at the market.
And people are finding they can’t afford to buy full sized products.
So, is the sachet economy here to stay?Host: Alan Kasujja
Reporting: Olivia Ndubuisi
#AfricaDaily

Jan 20, 2022 • 12min
Is sexual harassment in universities being tackled?
Last week a professor in Morocco was jailed for two years.
He had been found guilty of indecent behaviour and sexual harassment.
Women in Morocco have been sharing their stories. They say this kind of behaviour is widespread.
And this case may sound familiar if you’re in West Africa.
Two years ago, the BBC uncovered evidence of sexual harassment by professors at some universities in Ghana and Nigeria.
They have been removed from their posts after internal investigations.Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)Reporting:
Nora Fakim (@norafakim)
Kiki Mordi (@kikmordi)#AfricaDaily

Jan 19, 2022 • 15min
Is it the end of the line for South Africa’s railway criminals?
A robust rail network helped South Africa become the continent’s most industrialised nation.
And for many people, the train has been the most affordable form of transport.
But in recent years, South Africa’s railways have started to fall into disrepair.
Criminals have found the that cables and rails can be stolen and sold for scrap.
More than 200km of steel rails were taken across the country in November alone.
And in some places, trains are coming to a halt.
Can the government’s plans to revitalise the network get the trains back on track?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)
Reporting: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje)#AfricaDaily

Jan 18, 2022 • 14min
Can Africa become vaccine self-sufficient?
This time last year we were asking whether Africa would get enough Covid-19 vaccines.
As 2021 progressed, it became clear that it wouldn’t.
African leaders complained that rich countries weren't meeting their commitments to Covax, the scheme aimed at ensuring equitable access to the vaccines.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa coined the term vaccine apartheid, in reference to the gulf between vaccination rates on the continent and other parts of the world.
And some people began to ask how the continent could avoid being in this position again in the future.
So, can Africa become self-sufficient when it comes to vaccine production?
#AfricaDaily

Jan 17, 2022 • 17min
What are Ugandan forces doing in DR Congo?
In November last year, Uganda’s capital was rocked by a series of suicide attacks.
The government blamed the ADF rebel group, said to be allied to the Islamic State.
President Museveni said the military would go after them.
And within days Ugandan forces were entering eastern DRC.
Journalist Raymond Mujuni has been finding out what they are facing.Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)
Reporter: Raymond Mujuni (@qataharraymond)#AfricaDaily

Jan 14, 2022 • 15min
Is it good to be back to school in Uganda?
In March 2020, Uganda closed all its schools as part of measures to deal with the pandemic.
Some students hadn’t been back until they reopened on Monday.
Others had been able to return for just a few weeks last year.
So, are Ugandan students excited to be back in the classroom?
And what challenges are they and their teachers facing?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)
Guests: Edward Mukasa and Bridget Rukwebe Mujogya
#AfricaDaily

Jan 13, 2022 • 16min
Might more footballers start staying in Africa?
Around the world, football fans are glued to the Africa Cup of Nations.
It’s a proud moment for players to represent their country and perhaps draw some international attention.
For years, Africa’s top players have aspired to play for European clubs in La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
But clubs in countries like Egypt and South Africa are starting to offer lucrative contracts that match those available in parts of Europe.
So, how are these teams able to afford the big bucks?
And might more players stay in Africa in the future?
#AfricaDaily
Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)
Guests:
Cavin Johnson
Mark Gleeson

Jan 12, 2022 • 15min
Why don’t we talk more about endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition experienced by one in ten women of childbearing age around the world.
It’s caused by tissue similar to the womb lining growing in other parts of the body, where it can lead to bleeding and severe pain.
But the symptoms – which can be debilitating - are often dismissed as period pain. It can be difficult to diagnose and campaigners say many doctors still aren’t aware of the condition.
One woman, Grace Nagawa, who struggled with the illness for years, started a support group – the Endometriosis Foundation of Uganda – otherwise known as the ‘Endo Warriors’ – to raise awareness.
She shares her story with #AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)
Guests:
Grace Nagawa
Dr Ozelle Herbert


